A senior One Nation figure has been granted significant assets tied to his party role, including a new utility vehicle donated by a major agricultural company and exclusive use of a private plane gifted by a prominent business figure, according to internal documents. The party’s national director, who previously served as Pauline Hanson’s chief of staff, also benefits from infrastructure upgrades on his property, with records showing a company linked to One Nation constructing a high-value shed. While the party claims the vehicle and resources are intended solely for campaign purposes, critics question the blurred line between personal and political use. Further details on the extent of these benefits and the party’s financial disclosures remain under scrutiny.
Exclusive: James Ashby also drives new Ford Ranger given to party and is main pilot of plane donated by Gina Rinehart, which he says are not for personal useGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastPauline Hanson’s right-hand man, James Ashby, is enjoying generous benefits as a result of his role working for One Nation, with documents showing that a company linked to the party built a $56,000 shed on his central Queensland property.Guardian Australia understands that Ashby, formerly Hanson’s chief of staff and now the party’s national director, also drives a new Ford Ranger that was “personally” gifted to One Nation by Hancock Agriculture’s chief executive, Adam Giles, in April. Hanson said the vehicle would help the party’s campaign efforts and “provides us the presence we need in the lead-up to the next federal election”.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...
