- Dugald Saunders resigned as NSW Nationals leader on November 17, 2025, shortly after an online documentary about his 19‑year‑old daughter's adult content creation.
- He said he would "take a step back" to focus on family and allow new leadership to prepare for the March 2027 state election.
- Saunders' office insisted the timing was coincidental and unrelated to the documentary, citing other family members' serious health concerns.
- On November 18 Gurmesh Singh was elected NSW Nationals leader, the party's first Sikh leader after disputes over climate policy and net-zero.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Dugald Saunders, the leader of the New South Wales (NSW) Nationals party, announced his sudden resignation on Monday, November 17, 2025. The decision came shortly after the release of an online documentary that drew public attention to his 19-year-old daughter’s involvement in adult content creation.
Saunders had served as party leader for two and a half years. In his statement, he said it was time to “take a step back” to focus on family matters and allow new leadership to prepare for the upcoming state election in March 2027.
Personal Timing Sparks Public Speculation
The Member for Dubbo emphasized that his resignation was unrelated to the documentary’s release. His spokesperson described the timing as coincidental and noted that other close family members are currently dealing with serious health concerns.
However, the resignation quickly drew media attention, occurring less than 24 hours after the release of the first episode of a documentary featuring his daughter. While the program reportedly explores the experiences of young adult content creators, mainstream outlets have not confirmed specific details about the show's title, her identity, or the platform involved.
Political Fallout and Party Transition
Saunders’ time as leader was marked by growing divisions within the NSW Coalition. Recent internal disagreements included the party’s position on climate policy and the controversial proposal for a Great Koala National Park. Just days before his resignation, the Nationals moved to withdraw their support for net-zero emissions targets, creating a rift with Liberal Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.
On November 18, Gurmesh Singh, the Member for Coffs Harbour, was elected as the new leader of the NSW Nationals. Singh, a former farmer and long-serving MP, is the first person of Sikh heritage to lead the party, marking a milestone in Australian politics.
Saunders confirmed he will remain in Parliament as the MP for Dubbo. Speakman praised him publicly as a “tireless advocate for regional New South Wales” and noted his background as a respected broadcaster before entering politics.
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