Pauline Hanson’s Controversial Trip to CPAC on Gina Rinehart’s Private Jet

In October 2025, Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, and her chief of staff, James Ashby, traveled to the United States on a private jet owned by Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart. The flight, which took place on October 27, included a route from Brisbane to Perth, then to Osaka, before arriving in Palm Beach, Florida, on October 29. The purpose of the trip was to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where Hanson delivered a speech and participated in various events.

The Guardian

Hanson has yet to declare this sponsored travel, raising questions about compliance with Australian parliamentary rules, which mandate that any sponsored travel exceeding $300 must be disclosed within 35 days. The last update to Hanson’s register of interests was in August 2025. Neither Hanson nor One Nation has responded to inquiries regarding the trip's compliance with these regulations.

The Guardian

During her time at CPAC, Hanson criticized both major Australian political parties and expressed support for the Trump administration's policies, including immigration enforcement and mining initiatives. In a Sky News interview, she emphasized her concerns regarding Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the implications of net-zero carbon emissions on the mining sector, which she described as vital for the country's economy.

The Guardian

Hanson's remarks coincided with a notable increase in her voter support, as indicated by a recent Newspoll showing a four-percentage-point rise. She attributed this growth to the major parties' failure to address migration and climate change effectively.

The Guardian

Gina Rinehart, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and a member of the Trumpettes, has been linked to Hanson through various political and financial connections. Rinehart's company, Hancock Prospecting, has previously provided substantial financial support to the Liberal Party, contributing $500,000 ahead of the last election. Recently, Rinehart's executive, Adam Giles, publicly endorsed One Nation and encouraged donations to the party, further solidifying the alliance between Rinehart and Hanson.

The Guardian

Critics have raised concerns about the implications of Rinehart's influence on One Nation and the potential breach of parliamentary rules by Hanson. Ashby, in response to speculation about financial support from Rinehart, stated that he had not seen any direct monetary contributions from her. Additionally, Rinehart has expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the Liberal Party, indicating a shift in her political affiliations.

The Guardian

While the trip has drawn scrutiny, there remains ambiguity regarding whether the sponsorship originated from Hancock Prospecting or Rinehart personally. Furthermore, Rinehart's financial disclosures are governed by the Australian Electoral Commission, which requires declarations for any in-kind support exceeding $17,300, a detail that has not been clarified in this instance.

The Guardian

• “It will be my first speech overseas. I’m very pleased to have been invited to speak at it because I think it’s very well attended,” — Pauline Hanson, One Nation Leader

The Guardian

• “My concern is for the Australian people, their lifestyle, their standard of living, their way of life.” — Pauline Hanson

The Guardian

• “I haven’t seen any money from her” — James Ashby, Chief of Staff to Pauline Hanson

The Guardian

This trip highlights the intricate connections between political figures in Australia and their international counterparts, as well as the ongoing debates surrounding transparency and accountability in political financing.

The Guardian