In a move that has sparked renewed debate over election funding, Cory Bernardi, leader of the One Nation party in South Australia, has reimbursed Gina Rinehart's company for private flights taken during the state's recent election campaign. The flights, which Bernardi has described as "worth every cent," have raised questions about the influence of big donors in Australian politics and the need for greater transparency in electoral funding. Under new state laws, politicians are prohibited from receiving electoral donations or gifts from individuals, businesses, or unions, forcing Bernardi to pay back the substantial sum to comply with the regulations. The reimbursement has reignited calls for reform of Australia's electoral funding system, with many arguing that the current laws do not go far enough to prevent the undue influence of wealthy donors.
Former Liberal party senator, who was elected to state upper house in March, says flights ‘worth every cent’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation’s South Australian leader has paid back Australia’s richest person for private flights he took while campaigning in the state’s recent election.Cory Bernardi confirmed on Saturday that he had reimbursed a “substantial” sum of money to Gina Rinehart’s company S Kidman & Co, to comply with new state laws that prohibit political parties and candidates from receiving electoral donations or gifts from individuals, businesses or unions. Continue reading...
