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.