One Nation Senator Sean Bell's Residency and Expense Claims Under Scrutiny

Sean Bell, the newly appointed One Nation senator for New South Wales, has faced scrutiny for continuing to reside in Queensland during his initial months in office. Despite being selected to fill the vacancy left by Warwick Stacey in September 2025, Bell's expense reports reveal that he billed taxpayers over $6,000 for chauffeured cars in Brisbane while commuting to parliamentary sessions.

The Guardian

According to parliamentary expense records, Bell remained based in Tivoli, a suburb of Ipswich, Queensland, for the final quarter of 2025. He claimed travel allowances for only 14 days spent in New South Wales, raising questions about his commitment to representing the state. A spokesperson for One Nation stated that all senators are residents of the states they represent, but did not clarify when Bell would relocate. Property records indicate that Bell owns a house in Tivoli and has residential properties in both Queensland and the New South Wales Central Coast.

The Guardian

In addition to the $6,600 claimed for chauffeured vehicles over 30 rides from October to December 2025, Bell also reported nearly $5,000 in airfares for himself and his family to travel between Brisbane and Canberra for parliamentary duties. His travel entitlements included visits to various regional locations in New South Wales, such as Albury and Coffs Harbour, as well as six nights in Sydney, for which he claimed $499 per night.

The Guardian

Bell's selection and subsequent actions have drawn criticism within the New South Wales parliament. Critics argue that his continued residence in Queensland undermines the integrity of his role as a senator representing New South Wales. The situation has been exacerbated by reports of One Nation employing Pauline Hanson’s daughter as a senior adviser to Bell, raising further concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The Guardian

One Nation has defended Bell's actions, asserting that he is in the process of relocating to New South Wales. However, the party has not provided a timeline for this move. The spokesperson emphasized that all One Nation senators are expected to reside in their respective states, reinforcing the party's commitment to representation.

The Guardian

While Bell's expense claims are documented, there is ambiguity regarding his current residency status. It remains unclear whether he has since moved to New South Wales, as no definitive statements have been made by Bell or One Nation regarding his relocation.

The Guardian

• “all One Nation Senators are residents of the state in which they represent” — One Nation Spokesperson

The Guardian

• “The party claimed the charter flight was the cheapest option available in the absence of a commercial flight between Tamworth and Geelong.” — One Nation Statement regarding Pauline Hanson’s travel expenses

The Guardian

This situation highlights ongoing concerns about the accountability of public officials and the use of taxpayer funds, particularly in the context of representation and residency requirements.

The Guardian