Pauline Hanson says mining billionaire Gina Rinehart funded parts of her recent trip to Italy, according to updates Hanson makes to her parliamentary gift registry. Multiple outlets report that the disclosures relate to Hanson’s travel from London to Sicily, including return flights routed via Rome, taken on 11 and 16 July. Hanson also confirmed that she attended a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Sicily and that her invitation and related tickets were covered by Rinehart, after the two were pictured together at a luxury hotel during the visit.
Hanson’s accounts in the registry and follow-up reporting indicate Rinehart paid for the flights and the fashion show-related costs, while Hanson paid for her own luxury accommodation. The reports stem from changes Hanson recorded in her interests and the resulting confirmation of who met the specific costs disclosed.
