One Nation Moves Headquarters to a Gina Rinehart-Owned Brisbane Office

Barnaby Joyce announced that One Nation will shift its national head office from its Brisbane airport premises to a three-storey building in Spring Hill, Brisbane. The property was purchased by Gina Rinehart’s investment arm, Hanrine Investments, and the party will lease the space at commercial market rates. Joyce emphasized that the party will fund the rent from its own resources rather than using parliamentary business-resources allowances.

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Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest individual, has a history of providing material assistance to One Nation and its leader Pauline Hanson. Past contributions include a private jet valued at more than $1.5 million and sponsorship of Hanson’s European travel in June. In April, Hanson and Joyce stayed overnight at Rinehart’s $20 million Brisbane mansion following fundraising events. Hanson has described Rinehart as a “friend” and credited her with shaping a policy on pension-ers working unlimited hours.

The GuardianNo ‘conflict of interest’ in Gina Rinehart backing One Nation: Barnaby Joyce

The party’s move complies with parliamentary rules that fund only elected officials’ office space, not political parties.

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• The Brisbane office is valued at about $8 million.

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• Property records show it sold for $2.4 million in 2003.

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• Rinehart’s earlier gift to Hanson—a private plane—was worth more than $1.5 million.

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• “I don’t live in her [Gina’s] pocket,” — Barnaby Joyce

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• “We can put on the taxpayers’ ticket but we don’t,” — Barnaby Joyce

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• “Hancock Prospecting holds a range of commercial property, and this building is one of them. Hancock is not providing free or discounted space to any outside tenant, political or otherwise.” — Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting

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• “My policy on pensioners being able to work unlimited hours and without losing their pension or healthcare card came from Mrs Rinehart,” — Pauline Hanson, partly sponsored senator

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