Gina Rinehart, Australia's richest person, partially funded Pauline Hanson's trip to Sicily, where the One Nation leader attended a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show. Hanson confirmed the billionaire donated her return flights from London to Sicily, via Rome, on 11 and 16 July, as per an update to her register of interests on Tuesday.
Details of the trip
The invitation to the exclusive Dolce & Gabbana show in Taormina on 13 and 14 July was also provided courtesy of Rinehart. Hanson paid for her own accommodation, meals, and daily expenses. The trip occurred during Hanson's 'fact-finding mission' to the UK, where she attended the Conservative Political Action Conference in London and appeared on a podcast with far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Hanson's response
In a social media video, Hanson insisted the trip cost taxpayers nothing. 'Yes, I went to Sicily. Yes, I went to the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show. What an experience. I was invited to go and thought, "well, I've never been to anything like that". And I thought, "yes, I'm going to go and see it". Is it my scene? No, no way in the wide world,' she said.
Compliance with rules
Guardian Australia earlier reported that Hanson had failed to properly declare several free flights from Rinehart under Senate rules, which require updates within 35 days. The latest flights, taken in mid-July, were declared in compliance with those rules.
Closeness of relationship
The gift is further evidence of the close relationship between Hanson and Rinehart, her highest-profile benefactor. Hanson initially refused to disclose who funded the Italy trip after photos of her and Rinehart at the Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina were published.
