"This is a purchase of a political party in Australia," says Anthony Whealy of the Centre for Public Integrity, as One Nation receives a $3.5 million injection of donations including a private jet.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has announced a series of donations totaling approximately $3.5 million to the party. The contributions include a private aircraft and significant cash injections from multiple donors.
Aircraft Donation
Hanson announced the acquisition of a Cirrus G7 aircraft via social media on April 29, 2026. The plane was donated by Gina Rinehart through her company, Hancock Prospecting. Industry estimates place the value of a new Cirrus G7 at over $1.5 million. A spokesperson for Hanson confirmed Rinehart as the donor.
Cash Donations
In addition to the aircraft, Hanson reported cash donations totaling $2 million:
- $1 million from stockbroker Angus Aitken and his wife Sarah Aitken. Angus Aitken is a former donor to the Liberal Party and the conservative advocacy group Advance.
- $500,000 from Adam Giles, head of Hancock Agriculture, a subsidiary of Rinehart's company.
- $500,000 from Ian Plimer, executive director of Hancock Energy, also a Rinehart subsidiary.
Earlier in April, Giles also donated a branded utility vehicle to One Nation.
Context on Undeclared Flights
Reports indicate that Hanson and her chief of staff James Ashby received five undeclared flights on Rinehart's aircraft over a nine-month period. These included a trip to Florida for the CPAC conference and events at Mar-a-Lago, where they stayed at Rinehart's Palm Beach residence. Senate rules require declaration of gifts exceeding $300 within 35 days; Hanson made declarations only after inquiries from media outlets.
Hanson has stated that her travel costs were not borne by taxpayers.
Statements from Donors and Commentary
- Adam Giles said the donation was about "providing the wings for a movement that refuses to let the heart of this country be silenced."
- Ian Plimer said, "Whenever I think of One Nation, I think of a four-letter word: 'hope'."
- Angus Aitken reportedly switched support to One Nation after a fundraising dinner hosted by Rinehart.
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers commented that One Nation often votes in alignment with Rinehart's interests.
- Former National Party leader Barnaby Joyce defended the acceptance of the plane, arguing that private donations are not less ethical than using taxpayer-funded travel.
- Anthony Whealy, chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, stated: "This is a purchase of a political party in Australia and it is done in a way to absolutely dominate and influence a party."
Regulatory Background
No caps currently exist for political party donations in Australia. Disclosure of donations is required only by the end of the financial year. New laws introducing donation caps and faster disclosure requirements are scheduled to take effect in July and December 2026, ahead of the next federal election in 2028.
Hanson stated that the aircraft and donations will support the party's federal campaign and enable more frequent visits to regional towns. She also noted that the party has "additional fundraising to undertake" before the December deadline for new disclosure rules.
History of Rinehart-One Nation Ties
Gina Rinehart's support for One Nation has been reported to have increased since early 2025, when she and Hanson were photographed dining in Thailand. Rinehart has also hosted fundraisers on the luxury cruise ship The World, directing over $300,000 in donations to One Nation. At a December 2025 event, Rinehart auctioned a dinner with Donald Trump and a bejewelled Trump handbag for $300,000, converting three former Liberal donors to One Nation.
Barnaby Joyce defected from the Nationals to One Nation in December 2025, shortly after having dinner with Hanson featuring Rinehart's company's wagyu beef.