One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has come under fire for failing to declare her roles and shareholdings in three companies, including one linked to her upcoming satirical film, A Super Progressive Movie. The film, set to premiere on Australia Day, is described as a satire targeting “woke politics” and features a cast of left-wing characters who have “taken over” Australia.
The companies in question are operated or co-owned by party official Alexander Jones, who was convicted in 2023 for attempting electoral fraud involving $24,000. Two of these companies also involve James Ashby, Hanson’s chief of staff. According to Senate rules, updates to business interests must be made within 35 days, yet corporate records indicate Hanson has not declared one of her directorships for nearly five years.
This revelation adds to a series of transparency issues for the Queensland senator, who recently 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 a record high One Nation primary vote of 18 percent, surpassing the Coalition in a Newspoll for the first time.
Unreported Business Ties
Hanson’s public register of interests lists shares in companies like Webjet, AMP, and Bowen Coking Coal. However, it omits her stake in A Pauline Production Pty Ltd, which owns half of A Super Progressive Movie Pty Ltd. Additionally, Hanson has not declared her shareholding and director role in Small Batch Brewing Pty Ltd, a venture she initiated in March following her earlier plans to launch a craft beer.
A spokesman for Hanson declined to comment on the nature of these businesses. Jones, who acts as director, secretary, and shareholder for both companies, was previously charged with attempted fraud for altering email timestamps to submit a late claim for party funds to the Electoral Commission of Queensland. His lawyer attributed the error to a heavy workload, and no conviction was recorded.
Political and Legal Implications
The omissions have raised questions about Hanson’s commitment to transparency. Her spokesman stated that the production and brewing companies are not currently trading and pose no conflicts of interest. “In the interest of transparency, Senator Hanson’s office is seeking confirmation from the Senate tabling office and will update the record if required,” he said. Furthermore, proceeds from the film are intended to support One Nation’s efforts to challenge the Albanese Labor government in the 2028 federal election.
Hanson has also served as a director of Pauline Hanson One Nation Ltd since 2021, yet her directorships are recorded as “nil”. Her spokesman assured that this oversight would be corrected, noting that the role is non-remunerated and should not come as a surprise.
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”.
Despite these rules, past omissions and delayed updates often go unpunished. In 2017, Hanson did not declare a $4500 snorkelling trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and in 2020, her office cited “administrative issues” for a six-month delay in declaring her stake in a recycling company.
Public and Political Reactions
In November, it was revealed that Hanson claimed $2100 in taxpayer funds for travel expenses related to a private Federal Court matter, where Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi successfully sued her for racial discrimination. Meanwhile, the latest Resolve Political Monitor, published on January 18, showed support for the Coalition at 28 percent and One Nation at 18 percent, marking a significant rise from its 6.4 percent primary vote in the May election.
These developments highlight ongoing challenges for Hanson as she navigates public scrutiny and political ambitions. As the situation unfolds, the implications for her leadership and One Nation’s political future remain to be seen.
