One Nation in turmoil after Pauline Hanson lashes out at Rod Culleton

SENATOR Rod Culleton has signalled a possible split with One Nation after a tiff with Pauline Hanson over the backpacker tax.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has expressed anger at WA senator Rod Culleton splitting from the party line on the backpacker tax. Picture: Mick Tsikas.

ONE Nation Senator Rod Culleton has signalled a possible split from his party, saying he’ll use the Christmas break to consider his future.

Tensions are running high in the party as senators leave for the Christmas break.

Leader Pauline Hanson lashed out publicly at her colleague Rod Culleton yesterday after he would not support the party’s position on the 15 per cent backpacker tax, instead siding with crossbenchers Derryn Hinch and Jacqui Lambie.

The embattled WA senator has split with his party on a handful of other matters in recent weeks, including a superannuation Bill and a Senate inquiry into Attorney-General George Brandis’ part in the WA Bell Group matter.

“I was so annoyed that Rod Culleton actually crossed the floor,” Senator Hanson told Sky News.

“Rod said he’s a farmer — no, he is a farmer of a different sector and he does not have backpackers.

“Derryn Hinch — what’s his connection with it?”

Senator Hanson accused senators Culleton, Hinch and Lambie of “bloody-mindedness”.

“I’m angry about it, but anyway,” she said.

The honeymoon is over ... One Nation senators Rod Culleton and Pauline Hanson have had a tiff. He is now reconsidering his future in the party.

Senator Culleton has welcomed the Christmas break, saying he will use it to relax and consider his future.

“I’m going to buy myself an air bed from the camping shop,” he told The Australian.

“I’m going to float out over the Barrier Reef, I’m going to take a swim, relax with a glass of Moet and consider my options in the new year.”

Asked to clarify what he meant by options, the Senator said: “We’ll just see how generous my Santa sock is.”

The backpacker tax debate concluded a tense fortnight for One Nation.

Hanson and Culleton repeatedly rescheduled a meeting to discuss a High Court challenge to his eligibiliy to contest the July election and allegations he perverted the course of justice by approaching a Queensland magistrate.

The pair dodged each other at charity barbecues and communicated through the media.

Culleton then skipped a One Nation love-in on the Great Barrier Reef, which the three other senators attended.

The West Australian senator has likened himself to a sailor, insisting he will be tacking his way through parliament.

But it’s uncertain whether Senator Culleton will remain in parliament long as he is still facing a High Court case over whether he was eligible to be elected.

The case, which the senator has opted to defend himself, will resume next year.