Senator Pauline Hanson has strongly denied allegations that she used funds from her political party, One Nation, to pay for a five-star hotel in London during a recent trip to Europe. The reports, published by The Sydney Morning Herald, claimed that party funds were used for accommodation at the Conrad London St James hotel, where rooms can cost approximately $860 per night.
According to the reports, sources within One Nation suggested that costs for Hanson and her aide, James Ashby, would be covered by consolidated party revenue. One source alleged that Hanson had paid for hotel rooms and left them vacant for five nights while she traveled to Italy to meet mining magnate Gina Rinehart. Unease was reportedly felt within the party following the success of the '$5 million Fire the Liar' campaign, which aimed to unseat Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Hanson publicly refuted these claims, stating that the media reports were false and diminished public trust. She asserted that Expedia invoices, provided by One Nation headquarters, would prove the allegations were untrue. Hanson also confirmed that all funds raised through the 'Fire the Liar' campaign have been set aside for use in the next federal election.
"Fire the Liar funds have been quarantined to fight Labor at the next election," Hanson stated. "Sources who lie should be outed. Paul Sakkal. They only make you look sloppy."
Hanson had previously stated that her European trip, which included attending a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show and interviewing British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, did not cost taxpayers any money. Her parliamentary register of interests indicated that flights to and from London and Sicily, as well as accommodation, meals, and daily expenses during a July 11-16 trip, were funded by Gina Rinehart. She reportedly paid for her own accommodation, meals, and daily expenses during this period.
Opposition figures have criticized the alleged use of party funds. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson commented that the situation "does not pass the pub test," suggesting it was a betrayal of donors who may be struggling financially. However, independent MP Dai Le suggested that voters would likely not be concerned with internal party spending, urging a focus on cost-of-living issues.
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