Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman, proposes that parts of Queensland be offered to attract investment and defence-related industry. Speaking at News Corp’s National Bush Summit in Townsville, she says Australia should give some islands to Elon Musk “for free” to build satellites and carry out space launches. The remarks are presented in the context of her broader criticism of government regulation and taxes, and a push to encourage investment in northern Queensland.
Rinehart also makes comments linking the region to international military capabilities. Reporting based on Hancock Prospecting notes and her speech indicates she suggests Townsville could become a base for the Israeli military, and that land could be given to “skilled Israelis” to help develop “advanced war drones.”
The proposals combine an economic development theme—using land and incentives to draw major commercial actors—with assertions about defence use of the area. The sources describe her suggestions but do not indicate any official response or policy change by the Australian government.
