Cory Bernardi Reimburses Over $40,000 for Private Flights During South Australian Election Campaign
Cory Bernardi repays more than $40,000 for flying on Gina Rinehart’s plane during SA election campaign
The Guardian
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Cory Bernardi, leader of One Nation in South Australia, has reimbursed over $40,000 to Gina Rinehart’s company for private flights taken during the recent election campaign. This reimbursement aligns with new state laws prohibiting political donations from individuals and businesses.
- 01Cory Bernardi reimbursed over $40,000 for flights during the South Australian election campaign.
- 02The reimbursement complies with new laws banning political donations from businesses and individuals.
- 03Bernardi stated the flights were essential for engaging with remote communities.
- 04Pauline Hanson, One Nation’s federal leader, accompanied Bernardi on the flights.
- 05The South Australian Electoral Act imposes strict limits on political donations.
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Cory Bernardi, the leader of One Nation in South Australia, has confirmed that he repaid over $40,000 to Gina Rinehart’s company, S Kidman & Co, for private flights he used during the recent state election campaign. This action was taken to comply with new South Australian laws that prohibit political parties and candidates from receiving electoral donations or gifts from individuals, businesses, or unions. Bernardi, who was elected to the state’s legislative council in March, expressed no regrets about accepting the flights, stating they were vital for ensuring that remote and regional communities could engage with state and federal leaders. Pauline Hanson, the federal leader of One Nation, accompanied Bernardi on these flights. Although Hanson deflected questions about the legality of the flights under the South Australian Electoral Act, which imposes a $5,000 cap on individual donations, she has faced scrutiny for previously undeclared travel funded by Rinehart’s companies. The new donation laws in South Australia are considered a world-first reform, carrying severe penalties for violations, including fines of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for up to ten years.
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The enforcement of these donation laws may lead to greater transparency in political financing in South Australia, impacting how candidates fund their campaigns.
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