Rinehart Flights: One Nation's Election Challenge

0:00It's March 19th in Sydney. Let's get into the news. South Australia State Election on Saturday marks the first test of tough new laws banning most political donations. One nation candidates, Pauline Hanson and Corey Bernardi, are at the center of questions over free flights from Gina Reinhardt's company, S. Kidman, and Company. The rules aim to stop big money influencing politics, with breaches risking fines or jail time. The flights happen in mid-March, taking Hanson from Brisbane to Adelaide, then to places like Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Wyala, and Cooberpede. Hanson listed some on our federal interest register, thanking the company. Flight records show the plane covered remote campaign spots, but private jets cost at least $3,000 an hour. Hanson and Bernardi insist there's no issue, saying Bernardi will flip the bill as a campaign expense. Independent candidate Tammy Franks called it an uneven playing field, saying the laws meant to block billionaires like Reinhardt are failing. Reinhardt, Australia's richest person, has enregistered as a third party,

1:03which is required for big spenders. New rules cap individual donations or loans at $5,000 for parties without sitting in peace, like one nation in this case. The Electoral Commission notes donations can go toward federal purposes, but third party spending over $10,000 needs registration, or it's a crime. Meanwhile, Hanson's federal status impasse undeclared Reinhardt flights at layers of complexity. Officials won't comment specifically, leaving it unclear of exemptions apply as party scramble to comply ahead of polls. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, see the episode description. If sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow. Built for comfort and calm, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com