One Nation politicians Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce have sparked debate after using a private jet owned by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart to visit communities in Queensland devastated by recent flooding.
Private Transport for Public Visit
The pair utilised Rinehart's Gulfstream G700 aircraft and a helicopter over the weekend to travel across North Queensland. Their itinerary included meetings with local mayors in areas battered by heavy rain and flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
Joyce, who defected from the Nationals to One Nation in early December, defended the use of the private jet. He argued it represented a saving for taxpayers, who would otherwise have funded the travel. "I've got no problems with that at all," Joyce stated on Monday. "Would people prefer the taxpayer pay for it?"
The aircraft's registration is linked to the Bank of Utah, and Joyce confirmed it was provided by Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart's company. Rinehart is a long-time political backer of both Hanson and Joyce, and has previously provided travel for figures including former opposition leader Peter Dutton.
Scrutiny Over Sponsored Travel Declarations
The trip has drawn attention to parliamentary rules concerning sponsored travel. Under members' interests regulations, any sponsored travel or hospitality received with a value exceeding $300 must be declared.
This comes after Guardian Australia recently revealed that Hanson and her chief of staff, James Ashby, flew to Florida on Rinehart's jet in October. During that trip, they attended a Halloween party at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. Following the report, Hanson's office lodged an amendment to properly declare that sponsored travel.
Rules require updates within 28 days for lower house members and 35 days for senators after receiving such hospitality.
Political Context and One Nation's Rising Profile
Joyce framed the Queensland visit as a vital show of support. "With a lot of these things, you'd be more noted by your absence than your participation," he said, comparing One Nation's efforts to those of the Labor and Liberal parties.
The trip occurs as One Nation experiences a surge in polling. A recent Demos poll for Capital Brief found primary support for the party had risen above 20%, putting it level with the Coalition.
Joyce highlighted this growing influence, stating, "The polling shows that One Nation is no longer a minor party, as it's got a substantive following, and therefore you have to pick up the work rate to reflect that." Speculation persists in parliament that Joyce may replace Hanson as party leader after the next election, due in 2028.
Photographs of the politicians exiting the jet in Mount Isa with grocery bags, before a flight to Julia Creek, were shared on social media by locals, documenting the high-profile visit to the flood-affected region.
