Controversy Surrounds Pauline Hanson and Cory Bernardi's Flights Funded by Gina Rinehart

Cory Bernardi, a candidate for One Nation in the South Australian elections, has stated he will personally cover the costs of multiple flights taken with Pauline Hanson on a plane registered to Gina Rinehart’s company, S Kidman & Co. This situation arises amid the implementation of new South Australian laws that ban political donations, raising questions about potential violations as the election approaches.

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The new South Australian laws, which are the first of their kind in the state, impose strict limits on political donations, capping individual contributions at $5,000. While there are exemptions, it remains unclear how these apply to One Nation, particularly given that Bernardi is a state candidate and Hanson is a federal senator. Violations of these laws can lead to significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

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Hanson has acknowledged receiving flights from Rinehart’s company, including a series of trips from March 14 to March 17, 2026. Despite her acknowledgment, she claimed that the financial responsibility for the flights lies with Bernardi. “So my understanding is the bill’s going to Cory Bernardi, who’s paying for it,” she stated. Bernardi confirmed he expects to be billed for the flights, emphasizing his intention to visit remote communities during the campaign.

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Critics, including independent candidate Tammy Franks, have expressed concerns that the new laws may inadvertently favor wealthy individuals like Rinehart, undermining the original intent to limit their influence in politics. Franks remarked, “This is an uneven playing field,” highlighting the challenges faced by candidates who cannot accept large donations. The South Australian Electoral Commission has not provided clarity on the applicability of the laws to the flights in question.

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There are discrepancies regarding the nature of the flights and their compliance with the new laws. While Hanson has failed to declare several flights from Rinehart, including a trip on December 8, 2025, the implications of these flights concerning the new donation laws remain ambiguous. The Electoral Commission has indicated that donations can be used for federal purposes, complicating the situation further.

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The South Australian Electoral Commission has stated that registered political parties may accept donations up to the legislative caps, but specifics regarding the flights have not been addressed. Bernardi has distanced himself from Hanson's declarations, suggesting that her acknowledgments do not implicate him directly. Meanwhile, Hanson has previously denied being funded by Rinehart, despite her public expressions of gratitude towards the billionaire.

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• “I said I want to go to these remote communities, so whatever the expense is I’ll pick it up,” — Cory Bernardi, One Nation Candidate

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• “This is an uneven playing field.” — Tammy Franks, Independent Candidate

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• “If you’re going to try and say that, you know, I’m being funded by Gina Rinehart, the answer is no.” — Pauline Hanson, One Nation Senator

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As the South Australian elections approach, the situation surrounding Cory Bernardi and Pauline Hanson’s flights funded by Gina Rinehart raises significant questions about the effectiveness of the new political donation laws and the influence of wealthy individuals in politics. The unfolding events will likely continue to attract scrutiny as candidates navigate the complexities of compliance and transparency.

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