Pauline Hanson reveals Rinehart policy input amid emotional speech
Originally published by mns.com
12.06.2026
Pauline Hanson reveals Rinehart policy input amid emotional speech
Billionaire policy influence: Hanson said Gina Rinehart inspired her pension reform idea, praising her as a friend and defending her success.
Emotional personal revelations: At a Perth breakfast, Hanson teared up recalling her 2003 imprisonment and alleged domestic violence during her second marriage.
Political momentum in WA: Despite protests, Hanson vowed to target Labor seats as polls show One Nation leading nationally.
Hanson credits Rinehart with pension policy idea
Pauline Hanson told ABC Radio Perth she consults Gina Rinehart on policy, calling her ‘a friend’ and praising her as one of Australia’s highest taxpayers. She credited Rinehart with inspiring her proposal to let pensioners work unlimited hours without losing benefits. Hanson defended Rinehart against criticism, rejecting the ‘tall poppy syndrome’ and saying she respects her business success.
My policy on pensioners being able to work unlimited hours and without losing their pension or health care card came from Mrs Rinehart. And I think that’s great. I listen to anyone who brings good policy to me.
Pauline Hanson
Emotional speech reveals personal hardships
At a Perth breakfast, Hanson became visibly emotional while recalling her 11 weeks in prison for electoral fraud in 2003, a conviction later overturned. She alleged experiencing domestic violence in her second marriage, which ended in 1987, but did not provide details. These revelations align with her long-standing critiques of the Family Court and calls for reform, though her past comments on domestic violence payments have drawn controversy.
Protests greet Hanson’s Perth appearance
Around 400 protesters gathered outside Hanson’s Midland event, chanting against racism, while counter-protesters voiced support. Hanson reiterated One Nation’s opposition to ‘mass migration’, claiming it harms living standards and home ownership, and pledged to target Labor seats in WA. The event came as polls showed One Nation leading nationally, and Liberal figures signalled openness to preference deals with the party. ABC News Australia
Airport clash escalates media tensions
Hanson clashed with 9News reporter Sophie Fenna at Perth Airport over questions about why she did not fly on Rinehart’s gifted private plane. Calling the queries ‘stupid’, Hanson told the journalist to ‘learn respect’, with her team later seeking an apology. The incident follows other media run-ins, including bans on certain outlets and previous heated exchanges with reporters.
