Cory Bernardi: Controversial Senator, One Nation Leader

Cory Bernardi stirs strong reactions in Australian politics. A former Liberal senator who became an independent and later joined One Nation, he has been a consistent voice for conservative values—and a lightning rod for controversy, a pattern that continued in March 2026 when he stood by a remark linking same-sex marriage to bestiality that he first made in 2012, drawing fresh scrutiny and pushing his party into the election spotlight (ABC News, Australia’s national broadcaster).

Full name: Cory Bernardi ·
Born: 6 November 1969 ·
Political party: One Nation (formerly Liberal) ·
Senate term: 2006–2021 ·
Spouse: Serena Bernardi ·
Children: 3

Six key facts paint a picture of his political arc.

Who is Cory Bernardi?

What is Cory Bernardi’s background?

Cory Bernardi was born on 6 November 1969 in Adelaide, South Australia (ABC News). He married Serena in 1998 and the couple have three children. Before entering politics, he worked in financial services and was involved in the Liberal Party’s grassroots. He entered the Senate on 1 July 2006 as a Liberal representing South Australia.

What are his key political positions?

• Strongly conservative on social issues — opposed same-sex marriage, abortion, and euthanasia.
• Advocate for smaller government and lower taxes.
• Critic of multiculturalism and what he calls “political correctness.”
• Supports “Australian values” and tighter immigration controls.

These positions led him to resign from the Liberal Party in 2018 and eventually join One Nation in 2020, where he became state leader in South Australia (ABC News).

Why did Cory Bernardi resign from the Liberal Party?

When did he resign?

Bernardi announced his resignation from the Liberal Party in early 2018, after 12 years as a senator for the party (ABC News). He sat as an independent until joining One Nation in 2020.

What prompted his departure?

• He said the Liberal Party had abandoned its conservative principles.
• He cited the party’s drift on same-sex marriage, climate policy, and economic management.
• He wanted to form a “true conservative” alternative — which eventually became his role in One Nation.

The implication: Bernardi’s exit was not a single dispute but a long-running ideological break that culminated in him leading a rival party.

What is the controversy surrounding Cory Bernardi?

What did he say about bestiality?

In 2012, during Senate debate on the Marriage Act, Bernardi argued that redefining marriage could lead to acceptance of “consensual relations between humans and animals” (ABC News). Then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott called the comments “repugnant” (ABC News), and Malcolm Turnbull called them “extreme” and “hysterical” (ABC News).

In March 2026, Bernardi told ABC Stateline he was “100 percent” behind the remarks and “not fussed” if people found them offensive (ABC News). He later told 7NEWS, “I own what I said” and “My position has not changed in 14 years” (7NEWS, commercial news network).

“I own what I said. My position has not changed in 14 years.”

Cory Bernardi, 7NEWS

“The comments are repugnant and should be condemned.”

Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister, as quoted by ABC News

How did it affect the South Australian election?

Bernardi was One Nation’s lead candidate in the 2026 South Australian election (ABC News). A Newspoll cited by ABC showed One Nation at 24 percent support, ahead of the Liberal Party on 14 percent (ABC News). The controversy put One Nation’s campaign under intense media scrutiny, and Bernardi’s refusal to back down reinforced his reputation as a hardline conservative.