One Nation Nepean chaos over Hitler claim, rapist row

Source: theage.com.au

TL;DR

The story at a glance

One Nation's campaign for the Nepean byelection in Victoria fell apart due to internal fights over a complaint accusing party member Jason Smart of praising Adolf Hitler's economic policies and a boycott of a meeting with Sean Black, a convicted rapist rehired as national campaign director. Key figures include Pauline Hanson, who sacked Black amid backlash; candidate Darren Hercus; and state officials like Bianca Colecchia and Warren Pickering. This is reported now as the May 2 byelection nears in a three-way race against Liberals and independent Tracee Hutchison after Labor stood aside.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Key points

Details and context

The Nepean byelection stems from former Liberal deputy leader Sam Groth vacating the Mornington Peninsula seat earlier this year, leaving a contest between Liberals, One Nation's Darren Hercus, and independent Tracee Hutchison since Labor opted out. One Nation, a far-right party, aims for its first Victorian lower house win amid rapid growth but faces these self-inflicted issues.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Smart, a 55-year-old construction manager who ran for Clive Palmer's party before switching to One Nation, made the alleged remarks at the party's new Flinders branch launch. Black had been rehired by Hanson nationally despite his 2018 conviction, prompting the committee backlash that state officials tried to contain by deleting chat members and centralising control.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Resignation letters show the three quitters left after raising Smart, Black, and funding concerns post-Hercus endorsement, contradicting Hanson's claim they departed earlier.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Key quotes

“Expressing admiration for the economic recovery of Germany under Adolf Hitler” and “public commentary that appears to normalise or express admiration for a regime and individual responsible for crimes against humanity presents a significant reputational risk to the party,” the written complaint to Hanson stated.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

“He casually dropped in Hitler and stated he not only admired his leadership skills, but also believed Australia should follow his example to turn the economy around,” a sworn statement from a second attendee read.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

“I refuse to be near or listen to a convicted rapist. I have been brought up with too much respect for women,” one committee member wrote in the WhatsApp group.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Why it matters

These events reveal internal chaos in One Nation as it targets gains in Victoria ahead of wider elections. Voters and party supporters see concrete risks to reputation from unvetted members and hiring choices, plus potential legal issues in campaigning. Watch the May 2 Nepean result and any further resignations or Hanson responses, though outcomes remain uncertain.

What changed

Before, Sean Black worked as Pauline Hanson's national campaign director despite his rape conviction; now, Hanson has sacked him following public scrutiny and committee backlash; this occurred a week before the article's April 21 publication.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

FAQ

Q: What did Jason Smart allegedly say about Hitler?

A: At a January 14 Flinders branch meeting, Smart was accused of expressing admiration for Germany's economic recovery under Hitler and suggesting Australia follow his example, per a complaint and sworn statement. Smart denied this, stating Hitler was a monster responsible for genocide and that he holds no admiration for him.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Q: Why did Nepean committee members boycott the meeting with Sean Black?

A: Two members refused to attend a February Teams meeting with Black, Hanson's national campaign director convicted of rape in 2018, saying they could not listen to or be near a convicted rapist due to respect for women. Candidate Darren Hercus respected their choice but noted the need for guidance.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Q: What campaign advice led to concerns about electoral laws?

A: State president Warren Pickering advised Darren Hercus on February 22 to use a personal bank account for Nepean campaign donations and expenses, which three attendees said would breach state electoral laws. Hanson and Pickering dispute this account.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)

Q: How many Nepean committee members quit One Nation?

A: Three of the seven members resigned after raising issues with Smart, Black, and funding, with their letters showing they left post-Hercus endorsement despite Hanson's claim otherwise. The committee collapsed on February 23.[[1]](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/hitler-complaint-rapist-meeting-boycott-nepean-campaign-exposes-one-nation-dysfunction-20260420-p5zpfi.html)