Bay Cited Financial Misconduct, Campaign Undermining
Dr William Bay resigned from the Great Australian Party (GAP) after raising concerns about financial irregularities and internal conflict.
He also accused party leader Rod Culleton of undermining his Queensland Senate campaign.
With the next federal election looming, in a Facebook post on April 23, Bay said he resigned over unproven “possible misuse of members’ money” and interference with his campaign.
He later confirmed he had asked the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to investigate allegations of fraud inside the party.
GAP Says Bay Acted Without Authority
The Great Australian Party said Bay’s resignation followed unauthorised actions during the federal election campaign.
According to a GAP media statement, Bay produced and distributed his own How-To-Vote cards without party approval.
These materials placed a candidate from another party ahead of Bay and the GAP itself.
GAP said Bay’s actions breached internal rules and potentially Commonwealth Electoral Law, specifically Section 329,
which prohibits misleading conduct in relation to voting.
Rod Culleton said Bay had earlier agreed in writing to follow party procedures but decided to act independently, reportedly citing personal spiritual advice.
Bay was warned that his conduct might violate both electoral law and the party’s constitution.
Dispute Over Candidate Authorisation
Rod Culleton said Bay incorrectly authorised his own campaign material without legal standing.
Rod Culleton said in a video, “If people look at it [the campaign material], they will see he is authorizing it himself, which he can’t do.”
Culleton said the AEC notified Bay that he was not a registered officer and warned of serious consequences if the material was not removed.
Bay, however, told supporters he resigned because party leadership had failed to properly support his campaign and they may have misused member funds.
Rod Culleton
Future Directions
William Bay said he now backs independent Senator Gerard Rennick and will continue to advocate for constitutional rights outside of party politics.
The Great Australian Party urged voters to ignore any How-To-Vote materials not officially authorised by the party.
GAP reaffirmed its commitment to “lawful, transparent and principled participation” in the election.
