One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has confirmed mining magnate Gina Rinehart paid for her flights from London to Sicily, via Rome, and for her to attend a high-end fashion parade on the luxurious Italian island.
Senator Hanson updated her parliamentary register of interests on Tuesday and also confirmed she personally paid for her accommodation, meals and other daily expenses during the trip from July 11 to 16.
The trip made headlines when the pair were spotted seaside in Sicily, but until now she had not revealed how the travel was funded, other than to insist taxpayers did not pay “one cent”.
Ms Hanson has previously declared a series of gifts from Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting in her register, including interstate flights, hospitality and a “bloody big orange bulldozer” that was gifted by the billionaire on stage at a regional summit while she made bulldozer sounds.
The disclosure log reveals Pauline Hanson, right, attended two Dolce & Gabbana fashion shows in Italy earlier this month. (Instagram: @beatyesterday_art)
The updated disclosure does not include reference to how her flights from Australia to London were funded, although if she personally footed the bill, she would not have to declare that.
The ABC has asked Ms Hanson’s office how these flights were paid for.
Senator Hanson last week posted an apparent pitch from producers for Seven’s Spotlight, which filmed part of her London visit, suggesting the program might cover some of her UK travel costs.
In the document, a senior producer said Spotlight wanted Senator Hanson to meet UK Reform leader Nigel Farage in Britain, but this fell through after he resigned from parliament around the time the pair were due to meet.
Instead, Senator Hanson took part in a podcast interview hosted by UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who has an extensive criminal record and has served prison sentences for offences including assault, fraud and contempt of court.
Hanson defends Europe trip, anti-immigration comments
She also participated in a street walk with Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in his hometown of Luton.
A Seven spokesperson later said the program only paid for “incidentals” related to the interactions with Mr Robinson, “including a vehicle used in the production process and a hotel room used for filming purposes as well as security to protect Seven staff while recording on UK streets”.
Mrs Rinehart and Senator Hanson have appeared to grow increasingly close over recent months, as the senator’s popularity in published opinion polls has soared.
In April, the Queensland senator also accepted a new $1 million Cirrus G7 plane from Mrs Rinehart, which she described as “sexy” and “fast”.