Michael Johnsen, a former Nationals member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, has joined the One Nation party, becoming the latest defector from the Nationals. Johnsen represented the Upper Hunter electorate until 2021, when he resigned amid public allegations of sexual assault made by a sex worker. The claims were raised in parliament by Labor MP Trish Doyle.

Following an investigation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to press criminal charges against Johnsen, citing insufficient evidence. However, the sex worker has initiated a civil lawsuit against him. Legal representatives for the plaintiff have reportedly encountered difficulties locating Johnsen to formally serve legal documents.

Despite being out of the public eye, Johnsen has been active in disseminating his views through a Substack newsletter, from which recent editions have been obtained. In a recent issue titled “I Didn’t Leave the Nationals. Politics Left the People,” he explained that his decision to join One Nation was a return to his foundational beliefs, dismissing expectations of a complex rationale behind his switch.

Johnsen has consistently denied the allegations and expressed that the DPP’s decision not to pursue criminal charges served as a form of vindication. Since his resignation in 2021, he has not faced any criminal charges related to the accusations, though the civil case remains ongoing.

At this stage, One Nation has not publicly highlighted Johnsen’s defection, and sources suggest the party may be reluctant to promote the move given the surrounding controversy. Johnsen’s shift marks another change in party alignment within New South Wales politics, illustrating ongoing tensions and realignments ahead of upcoming electoral contests.