Hanson and Joyce billed taxpayers over $3,000 for flights to Rinehart cruise ship events
The Story
Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce claimed more than $3,000 in taxpayer-funded travel to attend fundraising and donor events on the luxury cruise ship The World, hosted by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart. The events took place in December 2025 and January 2026, with both MPs billing parliamentary expenses for flights and accommodation.
Key Facts
- Hanson and Joyce billed taxpayers more than $3,000 to attend private events on The World, hosted by Gina Rinehart.
- Joyce claimed $1,264 in flights and $1,500 in accommodation for events in Brisbane (16 Dec) and Sydney (21 Dec).
- Hanson claimed about $720 for a same-day return flight from Brisbane to Sydney on 22 December, plus a taxpayer-funded Comcar.
- Rinehart hosted a fundraiser in Brisbane on 17 December, auctioning a dinner with Donald Trump and handbags to raise $300,000 for One Nation.
- Hanson and her daughter Lee hosted a private lunch on The World in Hobart on 2 January. Rinehart is not believed to have attended.
- Under parliamentary rules, taxpayer resources cannot be used for fundraising or soliciting donations.
- Joyce confirmed attending the fundraisers, described them as “of no personal benefit”, and said his office handled expense claims.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
- How Pauline Hanson and Lee Hanson gained access to The World in Hobart, which is restricted to residents and guests.
- Whether Rinehart attended the 22 December event in Sydney.
- Whether Pauline Hanson or Lee Hanson travelled on The World between Sydney and Hobart.
- Why Hanson did not respond to questions about her reasons for being in Sydney on 22 December.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Pauline Hanson – One Nation leader
- Barnaby Joyce – former Nationals leader, MP
- Lee Hanson – Pauline Hanson’s daughter, senior adviser to Sen. Sean Bell, top Senate candidate in Tasmania
- Gina Rinehart – mining billionaire, owner of apartment on The World
Sources: The Guardian
