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Hanson dodges questions about who paid for Italy trip

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has refused to disclose who funded her recent trip to Italy, which included attending a fashion show and a political dinner in London.
  • Hanson described the trip as a

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has deflected questions about the funding of her recent European trip, which included a stay in Sicily and attendance at a high-profile political conference in London. Hanson, who has been in the United Kingdom and Europe for nearly two weeks, has labeled the journey a "fact-finding mission" and reported meeting with various right-wing figures.

I need to go inside.

โ€” Pauline HansonSenator Hanson's response when asked by the ABC if she had paid for her time in Sicily.

However, the 72-year-old senator was also seen in the Sicilian tourist town of Taormina. There, she attended a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show and was pictured at a luxury hotel alongside Gina Rinehart, a billionaire friend and political benefactor. Both women later appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London.

being over in Italy, living it up

โ€” Angus TaylorOpposition Leader Angus Taylor's criticism of Senator Hanson's trip.

When questioned by the ABC about the cost of her time in Sicily, Hanson responded by stating, "I need to go inside." Her trip has drawn criticism from political opponents in Canberra, including Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, who accused her of "living it up" in Italy. Questions have also been raised about who financed the excursion.

was less than a decade away from becoming a third-world country

โ€” Nigel FarageBritish right-wing political leader Nigel Farage's warning during his speech at CPAC.

A spokesperson for Hanson's One Nation party stated that all taxpayer-funded travel would be publicly disclosed, adhering to parliamentary regulations. Hanson was scheduled to speak at a black-tie dinner at CPAC, with ticket prices ranging from 600 to 10,000 pounds. Nigel Farage, a prominent British right-wing political figure, spoke at the conference, warning that the UK was "less than a decade away from becoming a third-world country." Farage praised Hanson's political success, noting her rise in opinion polls.

Pauline, it's amazing what you've done to get to the top of the opinion polls. Phenomenal

โ€” Nigel FarageNigel Farage's praise for Pauline Hanson at the CPAC conference.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.