Pauline Hanson brags about private plane, political donations
Updated ,first published
As the right-wing party’s meteoric rise in the polls faces its first federal test in next week’s Farrer by-election, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson boasted on social media of massive donations of $2 million and a private plane.
In a post on social media platform Both Giles and Plimer are employed by billionaire Gina Rinehart.
“BREAKING NEWS – I have a new plane, Sarah. Yes, it has been donated. Yes, I am very happy. Yes, it is fast. Yes, it is magnificent. Yes, it will be disturbing.” Guard. Yes, this means I can visit more regional towns around the country more often. Yes, it’s a Cirrus G7. Yes sexy. Yes, I have a pilot. No, I won’t be saying welcome to the country every time we land. No, it doesn’t work on batteries,” Hanson wrote in his post.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to One Nation over the years. I cannot thank you enough for the hope and encouragement you have given me to help fix this country.”
In the post, Hanson attributed a $1 million donation to Angus and Sarah Aitken, whom he described as “two wonderful, patriotic Australians”. Angus Aitken previously donated $200,000 to right-wing campaign vehicle Advance and $24,000 to the Liberal Party.
Two more donations, given in the form of oversized checks, came from Plimer and Giles in a social media video attached to the X post. Plimer is chief executive of Hancock Energy and Giles is chairman of Hancock Agriculture, both owned by Rinehart.
The total donation amount could easily exceed $3.5 million, and the party must make a statement at the end of the year.
While details about the model of the plane were not disclosed via post, information on the Cirrus website suggests the plane can travel between 700 and 1000 nautical miles, enough to comfortably travel between Melbourne and Brisbane.
Rinehart regularly lent Hanson a plane to travel around the country.
Nick Newling is the federal politics correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect with: X or email.
