Australia's richest person, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, has called on the country's politicians to adopt policies inspired by US President Donald Trump, whom she described as a 'shining light for the world'. In an interview with The Australian, Rinehart warned that Australia risks being 'left behind' if the next government does not embrace Trump's approach.
The 70-year-old billionaire, worth an estimated USD$30 billion, specifically advocated for the creation of an Australian version of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to drastically reduce the size and cost of government. She also urged Australia to follow the US in withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, arguing that the climate treaty is harming living standards and causing 'suffering for many Australians'.
Rinehart claimed that leaving the Paris accord would restore reliable energy supplies, lower electricity prices, and hold renewable energy projects to higher standards. She criticised the 'hasty clearing of thousands of miles of countryside' for clean energy projects, saying mining and agriculture face more stringent safety and environmental studies than renewables.
The Hancock Prospecting owner also backed tax cuts and reduced red tape for businesses, arguing these measures would boost investment, create jobs, and improve living standards. On social issues, she praised Trump's declaration that his government would recognise only two genders: male and female.
Rinehart, a long-time Trump supporter, attended the Starlight Ball in Washington following his inauguration and was pictured at celebrations at Mar-a-Lago after his election victory in November.
