Gina Rinehart has proposed that Australia should offer Elon Musk free islands to build and launch satellites into space, aiming to attract investment to northern Queensland. The billionaire mining magnate made the suggestion during a speech at News Corp's bush summit in Townsville on Thursday, continuing her criticism of government regulation and high taxes.
Proposal for SpaceX Expansion
According to Hancock Prospecting's transcript of her speech, Rinehart suggested closing all federal departments that overlap with state departments, including climate change, agriculture, and industry, to save billions. She also proposed giving Musk free land on sparsely populated islands near Townsville for SpaceX satellite construction and launches. Islands mentioned include Magnetic, Rattlesnake, Acheron, Palm, Orpheus, and Pelorus.
“Add water and the infrastructure Elon needs. He needs land to expand, and an alternate weather place in an allied country for his multiple satellite launches,” Rinehart said. “Wouldn’t this be fantastic for Australian university student graduates, to be able to have the opportunity to learn near Townsville with world-leading proponents and facilities, instead of having to leave their families and go overseas?”
She added that satellite launches would be a tourist attraction.
Defence and Technology Investments
Rinehart also suggested providing land to skilled Israelis and their families to build advanced war drones and other defence technologies. She proposed offering free use of the inland town of Prairie, 340km from Townsville, to Taiwan's computer chip industries, with tax holidays and infrastructure support.
“Apparently, we have land out near Prairie designated for toxic, asbestos riddled, bird and bat maiming, bird and bat killing wind towers. What a waste,” Rinehart said. “Let’s stop this misuse and let the Taiwan computer chip industries know we have free land to offer for their world-leading microchip industry, with tax holiday, an international airport to go to and fro, and a port at Townsville.”
Symbolic Bulldozer Gift
During the summit, Rinehart presented Senator Pauline Hanson with an orange toy bulldozer, referencing Elon Musk being given a chainsaw in the US to cut government red tape. “I want some bulldozer noise,” Rinehart said, imitating the sound. The gesture highlighted her push to reduce bureaucracy.
Guardian Australia has reported on the close relationship between Rinehart and Hanson, including a gift of a private plane worth over $1.5 million. Hanson has described Rinehart as an unofficial policy adviser.
