Hanson calls Rinehart influence ‘absolute garbage’ after secret tape emerges

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson dismissed allegations that mining magnate Gina Rinehart had influenced his campaign, calling them “absolute garbage” after a secretly recorded conversation with former campaign director Sean Black was uncovered.

The tape, obtained by this masthead, features Black alleging that Rinehart tried to “wiggle his way into the party’s decisions.” Hanson responded that the claims were baseless and a “cheap stunt.”

Hanson said he is not a puppet and demanded the tape be thrown away.

Rinehart has denied any involvement in the alleged influence.

The One Nation party has not issued further comment.