Pauline Hanson has revealed she considers billionaire Gina Rinehart as an unofficial policy advisor to her and One Nation, while the Nationals leader Matt Canavan has ruled out a joint election strategy with the party.
Nationals reject election pact
Matt Canavan rejected calls from some Liberals to consider a joint election strategy with One Nation, telling Guardian Australia the Coalition will “compete against Labor everywhere”. Liberal MP Tony Pasin had pushed for a seat-sharing agreement, but senior Liberals quickly shut down the idea.
“I am focused on removing this terrible government … We will compete against Labor everywhere to do that. I welcome all parties running. Competition is a good thing,” Canavan said.
Canavan backs fundraising campaign
The Queensland senator did welcome Pauline Hanson’s campaign to “fire the liar”, which her party claimed had already raised more than $2 million in 48 hours. By Friday afternoon, the website stated it had raised more than $3 million.
“I welcome everybody trying to take down this government, because that is the first step. So, good on One Nation for doing this,” Canavan told Sky News. “They’re saying that that funding … is going to be used to root out Labor members of parliament, and I’d encourage them on that front.”
Labor dismisses donation claims
Labor has played down One Nation’s donation claims and questioned the “independent audit” which Hanson said shows the money is legitimate. The audit was completed over a few hours and concluded that the donations were real.
Labor’s outgoing federal president and former treasurer Wayne Swan called the public fundraiser a “cover-up” of One Nation’s billionaire donors including Gina Rinehart, and doubted the $2 million figure.
“We never know whether it’s true, but what we do know is that they are raising a lot of money from high net worth individuals, including going to Mar-a-Lago to raise it with Donald Trump,” Swan told Channel Nine. “This is a complete smokescreen … It’s a complete farce.”
Rinehart’s influence on policy
On Thursday, Hanson revealed the influence of Rinehart on One Nation policy, saying she consults her “friend” and was grateful for the mining magnate’s support. Guardian Australia has revealed the depths of their close relationship, including the gift of a new private plane worth more than $1.5 million.
“I consider her a friend and I’m very … grateful for her support. She’s an Australian identity, she’s one of the highest taxpayers in the country,” Hanson told ABC radio in Perth. “I won’t have anyone have a go because she’s, you know, OK, she’s a billionaire.”
Asked if Rinehart contributed to formulation of One Nation policy, Hanson said she had been “very beneficial”. “My policy on pensioners being able to work unlimited hours and without losing their pension or healthcare card came from Mrs Rinehart. And I think that’s great. I listen to anyone who brings good policy to me.”
