PRESS RELEASE: Australians for Better Government Rejects the Claim That Pauline Hanson Cannot Be Prime Minister as a Senator

Australian Constitution Silent on Prime Minister’s Role – Time for Clarity and Serious Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sydney, 17 June 2026 – Australians for Better Government today firmly rejects claims that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is unable to serve as Prime Minister of Australia as a Senator.

“The role of Prime Minister is not mentioned in the Australian Constitution,” said Steven Tripp, President of Australians for Better Government. “Therefore, there is nothing in the Constitution that states the Prime Minister must sit in the House of Representatives.”

Australians for Better Government argues that the assertion that Pauline Hanson, or any Senator cannot be Prime Minister is a long-standing ‘convention’ of the Westminster system and not a rule supported by the text of our founding document and should be rejected.

The organisation says that if Australians believe the Prime Minister should sit in the House of Representatives, then those expectations must be properly defined in the Constitution and voted on in a referendum.

“Most Australians may believe it is sensible for the Prime Minister to sit in the House of Representatives, which is the chamber where most major legislation is introduced and where the Government is formed,” said Mr. Tripp. “If that is the case, define it in the Constitution.”

“If we want to be a serious country, we need a serious constitution,” Mr. Tripp stated.

Australians for Better Government argues that vague conventions and unwritten rules are no longer sufficient for modern-day Australia. The powers, roles, responsibilities, and importantly, the accountability mechanisms of the Prime Minister should be clearly stated in the Constitution.

The organisation called on all major parties to support a constitutional amendment process that would formally recognise the office of Prime Minister, define its core functions, and clarify the relationship between the Prime Minister, the Parliament and the Governor-General.

“At Federation, the Australian people voted for the Constitution, but they have never had a say on whether they accept the conventions our Government operates under,” said Mr. Tripp. “Constitutional silence creates uncertainty. Clear rules create stability and accountability. It is time to modernise our Constitution so it reflects the reality of how Australia is governed.”

ENDS

About Australians for Better Government

Australians for Better Government is a non-partisan advocacy organisation dedicated to reforming Australia’s democratic processes. Through education, public events, and policy advocacy, ABG works to promote greater accountability, transparency, and genuine representation in government for the benefit of all Australians.

For Editors

Contact: Steven Tripp, ABG President, Email: steven.tripp@australiansforbetter.com,

Tel: +61 433 401 281, Website: https://www.australiansforbetter.com

Further comments and photos are available immediately, on request.