Hold onto your hats, because this story has it all: private jets, political intrigue, and a dash of controversy. Pauline Hanson, the outspoken One Nation senator, jetted off to the United States on Gina Rinehart’s luxurious Gulfstream 700, but here’s the kicker—she hasn’t declared this sponsored travel, leaving many wondering if she’s skirted parliamentary rules. But let’s rewind and unpack this tale, because it’s more complex than it seems.
In October, Hanson and her chief of staff, James Ashby, boarded Rinehart’s private jet in Brisbane, making stops in Perth and Osaka before landing in Palm Beach, Florida. The trio arrived in the U.S. on October 29, just in time for Hanson to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). And this is where it gets interesting: at CPAC, Hanson didn’t hold back, slamming Australia’s major parties while praising the Trump administration’s hardline policies on immigration, drug cartels, and mining. But here’s where it gets controversial—was this trip a gift from Rinehart personally or her company, Hancock Prospecting? And did Hanson violate parliamentary rules by not declaring it?
Under Senate rules, any sponsored travel exceeding $300 must be declared within 35 days. Hanson’s register hasn’t been updated since August, and neither she nor One Nation has answered questions about the trip’s compliance. Is this a simple oversight, or something more deliberate?
While in the U.S., Hanson and Rinehart rubbed shoulders with the elite, attending Donald Trump’s lavish Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago. Rinehart, a vocal Trump supporter and member of the Trumpettes since 2016, has also invested billions in U.S. stocks, including Trump Media & Technology. Could this trip signal a deeper alignment between Hanson’s politics and Rinehart’s financial interests?
Hanson’s CPAC speech, her first overseas, was billed as a chance to represent Australians on the global stage. But at what cost? In a Sky News interview, she defended her attendance, claiming it was important to speak for Australians. Yet, tickets to the event cost up to $25,000—a steep price tag that raises questions about who’s footing the bill.
Here’s the part most people miss: Hanson’s trip coincided with growing ties between One Nation and Rinehart’s empire. Adam Giles, a senior executive at Rinehart’s agricultural business and former NT chief minister, publicly backed One Nation, urging friends to donate. Meanwhile, Barnaby Joyce, Rinehart’s long-time ally, recently defected to One Nation, cementing the alliance with a Wagyu steak cook-up in Hanson’s office. Is Rinehart quietly pulling strings behind the scenes?
Despite Ashby’s claims that Rinehart hasn’t financially supported One Nation, her history of backing the Liberals and Nationals—including a $500,000 donation in the last election—suggests she’s no stranger to political influence. So, what’s really going on here? Is this a new chapter in Australian politics, or business as usual?
As the dust settles, one thing’s clear: this story isn’t just about a private jet ride. It’s about power, influence, and the blurred lines between politics and money. What do you think? Is Hanson’s trip a harmless oversight, or a red flag for deeper issues? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
