Dugald Saunders has resigned from his position as the leader of the New South Wales Nationals less than three years after assuming the role. His resignation on November 17, 2023, came shortly after his daughter, Charlie Saunders, made an appearance in a documentary focused on the adult entertainment industry.
Gurmesh Singh, the Member for Coffs Harbour, has been elected unopposed as the new leader, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first Sikh leader of the NSW Nationals. Mr. Saunders informed his colleagues of his decision, stating that he needed to prioritize family matters.
The timing of Saunders’ resignation has raised questions regarding a possible connection to his daughter’s involvement in the documentary titled “Spicy Summer,” which showcases creators on the platform OnlyFans. His office has strongly denied any link between the two events.
Charlie, who also goes by the name Willow Ray, debuted in the six-part series that follows OnlyFans creators and was filmed in Sydney’s eastern suburbs between September and October. In the first episode, aired on November 16, 2023, she revealed that she began producing adult content at the age of 18. Charlie discussed her previous anonymity as a creator and mentioned that her decision to join OnlyFans was influenced by her experiences on social media platforms like TikTok.
She also shared her struggles with bullying during her high school years in regional New South Wales, which contributed to her feelings of depression and low self-esteem. A spokesperson for Mr. Saunders clarified to The Australian that his decision to step down was not related to the documentary.
Party chairman Rick Colless expressed surprise at the announcement, noting that Mr. Saunders had expressed a desire to spend more time with his unwell mother and had been away from home for extended periods. Reports indicate that multiple family members are facing serious health issues. Sources close to the family confirmed their support for Charlie, adding that Mr. Saunders was aware of her plans to participate in the reality series.
In a public statement, Mr. Saunders reflected on his tenure, stating that leading the NSW Nationals had been an honour. He emphasized that stepping back was the right choice for his family and personal wellbeing.
Dugald William Saunders, aged 52, has been a member of the New South Wales Parliament since 2019, representing the Dubbo electorate. Before entering politics, he had a lengthy career in broadcasting, including serving as a commentator at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and as an ABC presenter in Dubbo. He held the positions of Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western New South Wales before becoming the leader of the NSW Nationals in May 2023.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman praised Mr. Saunders for his fairness and intelligence during his time in leadership. Federal Nationals MP Wes Fang acknowledged the challenges associated with the leadership role and understood why Mr. Saunders chose to step down.
The NSW Nationals represent rural and regional voters and have maintained a coalition with the Liberal Party since 1927. Following the 2023 election, the party found itself in opposition, amid internal challenges over the decision to abandon net zero targets.
With the next state election scheduled by March 2027, the party is now looking ahead. Gurmesh Singh, who has served as the Nationals Whip and held various shadow portfolios, comes from a strong agricultural background and has been a representative for Coffs Harbour since 2019. Party figures have indicated that Singh has full support as he prepares for the upcoming election.
