Pauline Hanson's sister, Judy Smith, could replace Malcolm Roberts in the Senate
Amy Remeikis, Adam Gartrell, Bevan Shields and Kate McClymont
Pauline Hanson's sister could replace embattled senator Malcolm Roberts in the Senate if he is found to be ineligible because of his British dual citizenship.
Fairfax Media can reveal bankruptcy proceedings have been filed against the third person on One Nation's Queensland Senate ticket, Fraser Anning, potentially ruling him constitutionally ineligible too.
Senator Roberts' position in the Senate is hanging by a thread after he revealed on Thursday night he did not receive confirmation from British authorities that his renunciation had been successful until a full six months after he nominated as a candidate and five months after the election. It remains unclear whether he took "reasonable steps" - as required by the constitution - to renounce prior to nominating.
Two of the nation's top constitutional experts believe he may have been invalidly elected and believe the High Court should consider the matter.
Fairfax Media understands the Turnbull government is now considering Senator Roberts' eligibility and is weighing up a High Court referral.
If the High Court examines his eligibility and finds he was invalidly elected because he was a dual national, the Senate seat would fall to Mr Anning, a Queensland businessman who ran in the third position on One Nation's Queensland ticket.
However Mr Anning is the subject of a bankruptcy application lodged in the Federal Court on July 19. The constitution prevents people who are found to be bankrupt from serving in Parliament. Fairfax Media alleges no wrongdoing by Mr Anning and the application to make him a bankrupt may fail.
But if the bankruptcy application is successful, the seat would likely fall to Judy Smith, one of Senator Hanson's six siblings, who ran on the largely unwinnable fourth position on the ticket.
Judy Smith, who is the sister of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Photo: Robert Rough
Ms Smith describes herself as "extremely proud of her sister" and has "always been by Pauline's side, giving her full support".
"Judy share the same values as Pauline and would like to help strengthen her cause in the Senate, by her side," the One Nation website notes.
Judy Smith, who is the sister of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Photo: Robert Rough
