One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has stated that her recent trip to Europe did not cost Australian taxpayers "one cent," though she has not disclosed how the trip was funded. In her first public comments since returning to Australia, Senator Hanson spoke in Western Australia on Tuesday, defending her travel and responding to criticism over several inflammatory anti-immigration comments made during her time abroad.

Senator Hanson spent over a week in Europe, attending two conservative conferences in the UK and a fashion show in Italy alongside billionaire donor Gina Rinehart. The pair were also seen together at a luxury hotel in Sicily. When asked about Rinehart's influence, Hanson described the mining magnate as a "very proud, patriotic Australian" who supports One Nation because she sees similar values in the party.

At a Perth leadership breakfast hosted by The West Australian newspaper, Hanson insisted she would "not apologise" for the trip. Her itinerary also included an appearance on the Tommy Robinson Show, a podcast hosted by far-right, anti-Islamic activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

During the podcast, Hanson identified the dismantling of the White Australia Policy as the starting point of issues with Australia's immigration system. She later clarified that her policies aimed to target specific immigration concerns.

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce faced questions about deportation policies during a Monday night interview, suggesting illegal immigrants might be identified when visiting medical professionals. When asked if it was appropriate for Rinehart to gift Hanson the Europe trip, Joyce said he had not inquired about the trip's funding.

Meanwhile, rebel Liberal Senator Alex Antic commented that his party should be more "realistic" about election prospects and supported the idea of an expanded Coalition that could include One Nation.

Senator Hanson’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about immigration and political alliances in Australia.

Sources