One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has formally disclosed that mining billionaire Gina Rinehart paid for her flights from London to Sicily via Rome, as well as tickets to a Dolce & Gabbana fashion parade during a European trip that drew widespread public scrutiny. The declaration was lodged through an update to Hanson's parliamentary register of interests on Tuesday.
The disclosure confirms what had been a subject of speculation since photographs emerged of the two women together at the Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina, Sicily, where Rinehart was attending the high-end fashion event between July 11 and 16. When she returned to Australia, Hanson had insisted taxpayers had not paid "one cent" for the trip, but declined to elaborate on how costs were divided.
What the Register Discloses — and What It Doesn't
Tuesday's updated disclosure confirms Rinehart covered the cost of Hanson's flights within Europe and her attendance at the Dolce & Gabbana show. Hanson has declared that she personally paid for her accommodation, meals and other daily expenses throughout the trip.
Notably absent from the updated register is any reference to how Hanson's flights from Australia to London were funded. If she paid for those herself, she would have no obligation to declare them. Questions have been put to her office seeking clarification on this point.
It also emerged that a senior television producer had approached Hanson about filming part of her London visit, with a view to arranging a meeting with UK Reform leader Nigel Farage. That plan fell through after Farage resigned from parliament around the time they were due to meet. A spokesperson for the production later said costs covered by the program were limited to "incidentals" — a vehicle, a hotel room used for filming and security for staff — connected to Hanson's appearances with UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson has an extensive criminal record including convictions for assault, fraud and contempt of court. Hanson participated in a podcast interview with Robinson and joined him for a street walk in his hometown of Luton.
This is not the first time Rinehart's generosity toward Hanson has featured in the senator's disclosure log. Previous entries include interstate flights, hospitality, and a new $1 million Cirrus G7 aircraft gifted in April, which Hanson described at the time as "sexy" and "fast".
One Nation Eyes Victorian Lower House Seats
The disclosure update came just hours before Hanson appeared on television to outline One Nation's ambitions at November's Victorian state election, telling viewers the party would begin naming upper house candidates as early as Friday before following up with lower house contenders and a full Victorian policy platform.
Hanson said the party had secured candidates for approximately 74 of Victoria's 88 electorates and expected to field a candidate in every seat. She declined to reveal who would lead the party at a state level. The party's sole current Victorian representative, Shepparton-based upper house MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, was re-endorsed on Tuesday.
The push comes amid One Nation's strongest polling in years. The latest Resolve Political Monitor placed the party at 22 per cent in Victoria — behind Labor and the Coalition, which were tied at 27 per cent each. Hanson pointed to the recent leadership change that saw Ben Carroll replace Jacinta Allan as premier, describing Victoria as a "basket case" and arguing voters were looking beyond the major parties.
Hanson said the party had received around 1,200 expressions of interest from prospective Victorian candidates, with roughly 1,500 nationally for the coming federal election. She said a more rigorous vetting process — including the use of advanced artificial intelligence tools — had been introduced ahead of both elections, seeking to address years of candidate controversies.
Internal Tensions Over Campaign Readiness
The confident public messaging has not been without internal friction. It is understood some prospective Victorian candidates raised concerns earlier this month about delays in the selection process, a lack of transparency around campaign structure and confidentiality agreements they were asked to sign. Candidate fees of up to $5,500 also prompted questions from at least one applicant who questioned whether the party had built sufficient infrastructure to mount a credible state campaign.
One Nation responded to those concerns by assuring candidates that recruitment, policy work and organisational planning were progressing, with regional committees being established across the state. The party defended the secrecy surrounding its preparations on the basis that campaign strategy needed to be protected from leaks.
The timing of the European travel disclosure — combined with the party's Victorian push — has placed Hanson's public standing under fresh scrutiny, even as the senator insists both the trip and the campaign preparations are entirely above board. The relationship between Hanson and Gina Rinehart appears to have deepened significantly in recent months, coinciding with One Nation's rising fortunes in the polls.
