Two prominent Australian politicians, Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce, have sparked debate after using a private jet owned by billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart to visit areas of Queensland devastated by recent flooding.
A Controversial Mode of Transport
The One Nation MPs utilised Rinehart's Gulfstream G700 aircraft and a helicopter over the weekend to travel to North Queensland communities battered by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. The pair met with local mayors to discuss the impact of the severe weather. Joyce, who recently defected from the Nationals to join One Nation, confirmed the travel arrangements and vigorously defended them.
Joyce argued that using the privately-funded jet saved taxpayers money. "I've got no problems with that at all," he stated on Monday. "Would people prefer the taxpayer pay for it?" Photographs shared on social media showed the politicians disembarking the luxury plane in Mount Isa carrying grocery bags, before a subsequent flight to Julia Creek.
History of Sponsored Travel and Rules
This is not the first instance of Rinehart providing travel for political figures. The Hancock Prospecting chair has a long history of supporting both Hanson and Joyce, and previously provided flights for former opposition leader Peter Dutton.
In a separate incident last October, Hanson and her chief of staff flew on Rinehart's jet to Florida, where they attended a Halloween party at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. That trip was only formally declared in the Register of Senators' Interests after being revealed by Guardian Australia.
Parliamentary rules mandate that any sponsored travel or hospitality worth more than $300 must be declared. Members of the lower house have 28 days to update their register, while senators have 35 days.
Political Context and Future Speculation
Joyce framed the visit as a crucial show of solidarity. "With a lot of these things, you'd be more noted by your absence than your participation," he said, emphasising One Nation's desire to hear directly from affected locals.
The trip occurs against a backdrop of rising support for One Nation. A recent poll indicated its primary vote has climbed above 20%, putting it level with the Coalition. Joyce's defection to the party in early December has led to speculation within parliament that he may eventually succeed Hanson as leader after the next federal election, due in 2028.
While the politicians focused on the flood response, the use of a billionaire's private jet has ensured their journey itself became a focal point of public and political scrutiny.
