Taxpayers footed the bill for a private jet used by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to attend an event hosted by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, according to reports. The flight, costing approximately $12,000, was claimed as a parliamentary travel expense, sparking controversy over the use of public funds.
Hanson flew from Brisbane to Perth in December 2022 to attend a Christmas party at Rinehart's estate. The trip was deemed official business, but critics argue it was a social engagement. The expense was approved under parliamentary entitlements, which allow MPs to claim travel for work purposes.
Rinehart, Australia's richest person with a net worth of $35.9 billion, has faced scrutiny over her wealth and business practices. Her company, Hancock Prospecting, reported nearly $20 billion in profit over the past four years. The mining magnate also made headlines in 2022 for withdrawing a $15 million sponsorship deal with the Australian netball team after players objected to her father's past racist comments.
The use of taxpayer funds for Hanson's flight has drawn criticism from transparency advocates, who call for tighter rules on parliamentary expenses. A spokesperson for Hanson defended the claim, stating it was within entitlements and related to political discussions at the event.
