One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is under fire for failing to declare her roles and shareholdings in three companies, including one linked to her forthcoming satirical film, A Super Progressive Movie. This revelation comes amid rising political fortunes for Hanson, whose party recently saw a surge in support according to the latest polls.
The companies in question are operated or co-owned by Alexander Jones, a party official who pleaded guilty to attempted electoral fraud in 2023. Two of these companies also involve James Ashby, Hanson’s chief of staff. According to Senate rules, updates to business interests must be declared within 35 days, yet corporate records indicate Hanson has not disclosed one of her directorships for nearly five years.
Transparency Concerns Amid Political Aspirations
This development follows a series of transparency issues for the Queensland senator, who has announced her intention to form a government. “I’ve got a hell of a job ahead of me,” Hanson stated last week after a Resolve Political Monitor showed One Nation’s primary vote at a record high of 18 percent, surpassing the Coalition for the first time in Newspoll history.
Hanson’s public register of interests reveals she holds shares in Webjet, AMP, and Bowen Coking Coal. On October 28, she acquired a stake in A Pauline Production Pty Ltd, which owns half the shares in A Super Progressive Movie Pty Ltd. The animated film, set to premiere on Australia Day, is marketed as a satire targeting “woke politics” and features a cast of left-wing characters who have “taken over” Australia.
Unreported Business Ties
Hanson has also not declared her shareholding and director role in Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd, established in March. This venture is a realization of her long-expressed interest in launching a craft beer line to connect with voters. A spokesman for Hanson declined to comment on the nature of the business.
Jones, acting as director, secretary, and shareholder of both businesses, was charged with attempted fraud for altering email timestamps to submit a late claim for party funds from the Electoral Commission of Queensland. His lawyer attributed the error to a heavy workload, and no conviction was recorded.
“In the interest of transparency, Senator Hanson’s office is seeking confirmation from the Senate tabling office and will update the record if required,” Hanson’s spokesman stated. “Proceeds from A Super Progressive Movie will be redirected to One Nation to assist the party in winning seats from the appalling Albanese Labor government at the 2028 federal election.”
Historical Context and Implications
Hanson’s history with undeclared interests is not new. In 2017, she failed to declare a $4,500 snorkelling trip to the Great Barrier Reef. In 2020, her office attributed a six-month delay in declaring a stake in a recycling company to “administrative issues.” More recently, Hanson faced criticism for claiming $2,100 in taxpayer funds for travel expenses related to a private Federal Court matter where she was sued for racial discrimination by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi.
According to parliamentary rules, a senator who knowingly fails to declare interests “shall be guilty of a serious contempt of the Senate and shall be dealt with by the Senate accordingly.” However, in practice, such omissions and delayed updates often go unpunished.
Political Landscape and Future Prospects
The latest Resolve Political Monitor, published on January 18, showed support for the Coalition at 28 percent and One Nation at 18 percent. This represents a 4-point increase for One Nation since December and is significantly higher than its 6.4 percent primary vote in the May election. The move represents a significant shift in the political landscape, with One Nation positioning itself as a formidable force.
As Hanson navigates these transparency challenges, the implications for her political aspirations remain uncertain. With the 2028 federal election on the horizon, the scrutiny over her undeclared interests could impact her party’s ability to maintain its newfound support and achieve its goal of forming a government.
