One Nation Leader Cory Bernardi Reimburses Gina Rinehart Over Forty Thousand Dollars For Campaign Flights

One Nation leader Cory Bernardi settles forty thousand dollar flight debt to Gina Rinehart to meet South Australia’s strict ban on all political donations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 26, 2026, 2:35 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Guardian

A Costly Compliance With Electoral Transparency Laws

The South Australian leader of One Nation, Cory Bernardi, has officially reimbursed S Kidman and Co, a company owned by mining magnate Gina Rinehart, for private air travel used during his recent campaign. According to Bernardi, the total amount paid exceeded 40,000 dollars, a move necessitated by South Australia’s rigorous new statutes that forbid candidates from accepting financial gifts or corporate donations. The newly elected member of the legislative council confirmed the payment on Saturday, framing the expenditure as a mandatory step to align with the state’s uncompromising electoral integrity framework.

Navigating The World First Ban On Political Gifting

The financial transaction comes in response to the South Australian Electoral Act, which represents a global pioneer in political reform by implementing a total ban on corporate contributions. Under these regulations, according to legal experts, individuals and entities are strictly prohibited from providing electoral gifts, with potential penalties for violations reaching up to 10 years in prison or 50,000 dollars in fines. This legal environment forced a distinction between state and federal campaigning, as the ban specifically targets resources utilized for state based electioneering, leaving little room for the traditional donor model previously seen in Australian politics.

Regional Outreach At A Private Premium

The travel in question occurred during the height of the March election campaign, involving multiple stops in remote locations including Coober Pedy, Maitland, and Mount Gambier. According to Bernardi, the ability to engage with regional communities that feel neglected by the major political parties was worth every cent of the 40,000 dollar bill. The flights allowed the One Nation leadership to bypass standard commercial routes to reach rural constituents, a strategy Bernardi argues was essential for providing a voice to those living outside the primary metropolitan hubs of South Australia.