One Nation Figures Face Scrutiny Over Flights on Billionaire's Plane
Cory Bernardi has pledged to personally cover the costs of multiple flights he took with Pauline Hanson aboard a private aircraft registered to Gina Rinehart's company. This commitment comes amid significant confusion and legal uncertainty surrounding whether these journeys might violate South Australia's recently enacted political donation ban. The situation presents the first major test for these world-leading regulations just days before the state's crucial Saturday election.
Navigating New Legal Territory
South Australia's groundbreaking legislation, which prohibits most political donations, includes a range of specific exemptions. However, considerable ambiguity remains regarding whether any of these exemptions apply to One Nation, as political parties, candidates, and the electoral commission grapple with interpreting the complex new rules for the very first time. A breach of these laws can result in substantial financial penalties and even potential jail time for those found responsible.
The case is further complicated by the differing political statuses of the individuals involved. Pauline Hanson serves as a federal senator, while Cory Bernardi is One Nation's lead candidate for the South Australian state upper house. On her official federal register of interests, Hanson expressed gratitude to Rinehart's company, S Kidman & Co, for flights taken from Archerfield to Adelaide on March 14th, and from Adelaide to Mount Gambier and Maitland on March 15th.
Flight Patterns and Financial Questions
Detailed flight tracking data reveals the aircraft continued its journey to Port Lincoln and Whyalla before returning to Adelaide on March 16th. It then traveled to Coober Pedy and back on March 17th. When questioned at a press conference about potential breaches of the state donations ban, Hanson stated that Bernardi would be responsible for paying for the flights. Bernardi confirmed this arrangement, stating he expected to receive a bill and would cover the expenses.
Under the new state laws, certain candidates are permitted to accept donations or loans from individuals, but these are strictly capped at $5,000. The operation of private planes typically costs at least $3,000 per hour, raising immediate questions about the total value of the flights and their compliance with the financial limits.
Criticism and Conflicting Interpretations
Independent politician Tammy Franks, who was elected to the state upper house for the Greens in 2010 and is now seeking a third term as an independent, voiced strong criticism. She argued the laws were specifically designed to prevent billionaires from exerting undue influence over parliamentary processes. "But it appears to be exactly the opposite of what it was intended to be," Franks stated. "This is an uneven playing field. I've got a number two candidate who can't take donations... We get conflicting answers from the electoral commission about how these new laws are meant to operate. We're told one thing one week and another the next."
The new legislation broadly bans political donations to parties, politicians, and candidates, with limited exemptions for new political entrants. Third parties, including lobbyists and unions, must register if they spend or intend to spend more than $10,000. Registrations closed on March 6th, and neither Gina Rinehart nor her companies have registered as third parties. Rinehart was recently reaffirmed as Australia's wealthiest individual.
Federal Purpose Exemption and Contradictory Statements
The South Australian laws do not apply if a donation is used for a federal purpose. However, when directly questioned about the flights, Hanson claimed the matter had "nothing to do" with her personally. "So my understanding is the bill's going to Cory Bernardi, who's paying for it. So it's nothing to do with me... I was a passenger on the plane," she explained. "I think you better go and ask Cory."
This statement appears to contradict her own register of political interests, where she listed three of the flights and expressed being "very thankful to S. Kidman CEO, Adam Giles." She added, "It's also wonderful catching a flight that doesn't try and welcome me to my own country each time it touches down."
Bernardi's Position and Electoral Commission's Stance
Bernardi maintained his position of financial responsibility. "I said I want to go to these remote communities, so whatever the expense is I'll pick it up," he declared. When asked why Hanson had thanked Rinehart's company for the flights, he distanced himself, stating he was not responsible for her actions. "Maybe she's put that down because she is flying on the plane, but because it's my campaign expense I assume I will be billed with it," Bernardi remarked.
The South Australian Electoral Commission declined to comment specifically on the flights. However, it provided general guidance, noting that "registered political parties without a member of parliament [that elects not to be treated as recontesting]... may accept electoral donations up to the legislative caps [subject to certain circumstances]." That cap remains $5,000, and donors may also only lend up to the same amount. The commission reiterated that donations can be used for a federal purpose and that third parties must register if set to spend over $10,000, warning that "contravention of the requirement to be registered is a criminal offence."
Broader Context of Undeclared Flights
This incident is not isolated. Hanson has previously failed to declare multiple free flights from Gina Rinehart that were unrelated to the South Australian campaign. When questioned about one such flight on February 3rd, she asserted, "If you're going to try and say that, you know, I'm being funded by Gina Rinehart, the answer is no." Adding to the context, Barnaby Joyce, who defected from the Nationals to One Nation last year, told the Saturday Paper that Rinehart has been a donor to the party. Rinehart's company, Hancock Prospecting, referred to the public remarks made by Hanson and Bernardi when contacted for comment on the matter.
