Dugald Saunders, the leader of the New South Wales Nationals, has announced his resignation after nearly three years in the role. His decision, communicated to colleagues on November 17, 2023, comes shortly after the public revelation of his daughter, Charlie Saunders, as a participant in the adult entertainment documentary “Spicy Summer.”
This resignation has sparked speculation regarding its timing and its potential link to Charlie’s appearance in the documentary. However, Mr. Saunders’ office has strongly denied these claims. Following his departure, Gurmesh Singh, the MP for Coffs Harbour, was elected unopposed as the new leader, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first Sikh leader of the NSW Nationals.
In the first episode of “Spicy Summer,” which aired on November 16, Charlie Saunders, also known by her stage names Willow Ray or Willow Rae, discussed her journey into the adult industry. She revealed that she began creating adult content at the age of 18 and cited her experiences of bullying during her high school years in regional New South Wales as factors that contributed to her decision.
Despite the controversy surrounding his resignation, a spokesperson for Mr. Saunders assured The Australian that his decision was unrelated to his daughter’s new career path. Party chairman Rick Colless expressed surprise at the announcement, noting that Mr. Saunders had been wanting to spend more time with his unwell mother and had been frequently away from home due to family obligations. Reports indicate that several family members are facing serious health issues.
Sources close to the family have stated that they fully support Charlie’s choices and that Mr. Saunders was aware of her intention to participate in the reality show. In his public statement, he emphasized that leading the NSW Nationals had been an honor but recognized the need to prioritize family and personal well-being.
Dugald William Saunders, aged 52, has been a member of the NSW Parliament since 2019, representing Dubbo. Before entering politics, he enjoyed a nearly three-decade career in broadcasting, including as a commentator during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and as an ABC presenter in Dubbo. He also served as Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western New South Wales before ascending to the leadership of the NSW Nationals in May 2023 after defeating Paul Toole.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman praised Mr. Saunders for his fairness and intelligence, while Federal Nationals MP Wes Fang acknowledged the challenges of leadership, understanding why Mr. Saunders felt compelled to step aside. The NSW Nationals, representing rural and regional voters, have historically partnered with the Liberal Party in a coalition that has lasted since 1927. However, the party has recently moved into opposition following the 2023 election amid internal strife over decisions relating to net zero targets.
Looking ahead, the next state election is scheduled for March 2027. While there were concerns about Mr. Saunders’ leadership, there were no formal challenges planned prior to his resignation. Gurmesh Singh, who has represented Coffs Harbour since 2019 and has a background in agriculture, is expected to lead the party with full support as they prepare for upcoming electoral challenges.
