Pauline Hanson’s surprises keep on coming

AS FINAL Senate results start rolling in, Pauline Hanson has seen another senator elected but there could be a twist.

PAULINE Hanson One Nation candidate Rodney Culleton has won one of the 12 West Australian Senate seats but there could be a twist because of a stealing conviction.

Culleton is a controversial figure who may have to give up his seat because of a larceny conviction in March.

The former farmer is appealing the conviction but is also due to face a WA court in August on another charge of stealing a hire car.

Culleton has become a fiery advocate for other farmers facing financial difficulties after ANZ foreclosed on his property in 2013.

His conviction of larceny relates to a dispute with a tow-truck driver who was attempting to repossess a vehicle. He was convicted when he didn’t show up to court in March but has appealed the finding.

“He wouldn’t identify who he was, and I was the director of the company and I must do my fiduciary duty to protect all assets,” Culleton told Lateline.

The second charge happened when he was trying to stop receivers repossessing a friend’s farm.

The charges may prevent Culleton from taking a seat in the Senate, despite his election.

It’s likely an appeal will be lodged about Culleton’s eligibility and it could be months before the

matter is finalised.

The Australian Electoral Commission announced today that Culleton was elected along with five Liberals, four Labor and two Greens.

Rod Culleton has claimed a WA Senate seat for One Nation. Picture: Colin Murty

Mr Culleton secured 11th position for One Nation in the final tally from the July 2 Federal Election.

The list was topped by Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Labor’s Sue Lines.

Greens co-deputy leader Scott Ludlam scored third place, having almost lost his seat in 2013 during a chaotic WA count which resulted in the state having to rerun its Senate election.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash was fourth.

Indigenous leader Pat Dodson won the seventh slot for Labor, while the opposition’s Louise Pratt was returned in 10th place after losing her seat in 2013.

Greens stalwart Rachel Siewert drew last place behind One Nation.

It gives One Nation two Senate seats, with another seat also likely.

The formal declaration of the WA Senate poll will be made on Tuesday.

Meanwhile in the ACT, two candidates were also declared.

Labor’s Katy Gallagher got first position, while Liberal’s Zed Seslja secured the final seat.