Pauline Hanson's failed NSW election challenge should spell the end of her political ambitions after taxpayers were left with a legal bill of more than $150,000, an upper house MP says.
The former One Nation leader launched her case in the NSW Supreme Court after narrowly missing out on a spot in the state's upper house at the March 26 ballot.
The challenge was based on an email exchange, purportedly between senior NSW Electoral Commission staff, sent to her by a hoaxer who was later outed as Sydney teacher and father of three, Sean Castle.
Justice Peter McClellan on Friday formally dismissed the case and ruled that Ms Hanson be liable for the costs of the respondents - Greens upper house MP Jeremy Buckingham, Nationals upper house MP Sarah Mitchell and the NSW Electoral Commission.
But Ms Hanson's costs, including those relating to the respondents, will be paid by the crown - ultimately the NSW taxpayer.
Justice McClellan also recommended Mr Castle's involvement in the hoax be referred to NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith.
Mr Buckingham criticised Ms Hanson's decision in bringing the case.
"This certainly should end Pauline Hanson's career," he told reporters outside the court.
"This lack of judgement shows that she's unfit for public office.
"She shouldn't have brought this to the court without ever meeting the witness."
He and Ms Mitchell had both faced losing their upper house seats if Ms Hanson's legal challenge succeeded.
Mr Buckingham claimed the legal costs would amount to "hundreds of thousands of dollars"
Ms Hanson's solicitor David Leamey agreed the bill would be well in excess of $150,000.
But he defended Ms Hanson's right to bring the case.
"She was a victim from the start," Mr Leamey said outside the court.
"The court's there for the purpose of determining this sort of matter.
"The costs were incurred as a result of prank, a public hoax."
Ms Hanson was not in court to hear the judgement.
Mr Leamey said he had no idea where she was but that he had informed her of the decision via a text message.
