Embattled former One Nation member Rod Culleton is adamant he is still a senator, and resents being called anything else.
Mr Culleton flew into Canberra on Tuesday morning seeking to have the High Court take into account his legal challenge to a bankruptcy declaration, in effect forcing him out of his position in the upper house.
"Unless I have a court order that clearly says that I can no longer serve as a senator, or I may have breached [the] constitution, I'm a senator and that's it," he said.
As far as the Commonwealth is concerned Mr Culleton is no longer considered a member of the Australian senate, and SBS understands he was given a two-week courtesy to pack up his parliamentary office, which he has failed to do.
Fronting the media in a pre-planned press conference in Canberra, and still wearing his senator's pin, Mr Culleton took offense when reporters addressed him.
"It is Senator Culleton but you're referring to me as Mr Culleton, and I don't think that's a question I need to answer."
In early January, Senate President Stephen Parry informed Mr Culleton and WA Governor Kerry Sanderson, the former One Nation member had been disqualified from his position as he is "undischarged bankrupt", and a vacancy for his position was created.
Mr Culleton insists he's heading to Parliament House to do some work in his office after his High Court hearing, despite the website listing him as a "former" senator.
Rod Culleton no longer listed as a senator on the Parliament of Australia website (SBS) Source: SBS News
"They can say what they like, no one's above the law. Until it's properly dealt with in the courts," Mr Culleton said.
Getting into the building may prove difficult.
Australian senators do have a parliamentary pass, however, it's only used to access the carpark with each being allowed into the building by the use of a special badge or recognition.
SBS understands as of January 11, Mr Culleton is no longer considered fit for office and Parliament House security staff have been instructed not to allow him into the the building.
"I picked this fight with Senator Parry and Senator Brandis I just think to be treated like that as a senator, a fellow senator, is just unacceptable," Mr Culleton said.
