Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I will read the quote from the start:

In the seat of New England, there are significant rumours that the National Party candidate for New England, who is currently a senator in Queensland, is to receive a quite substantial donation—some hundreds, perhaps even $700,000—from mining magnate Gina Rinehart.

Later, he said:

… I would like Ms Rinehart to clarify her position on how many hundreds of thousands she is giving to a candidate in New England. She does not reside in New England and I do not think she has any interest in New England. One has to ask why she is providing that sort of funding to a candidate in New England.

These accusations have been strongly refuted by Senator Joyce, and Ms Rinehart has issued a statement denying the member for New England's claims.

When questioned about these matters on Sky NewsAM Agenda this morning, Mr Windsor was asked by Kieran Gilbert, 'What proof do you have for that suggestion?' Tony Windsor said, 'I do not have any proof.' Kieran Gilbert said, 'So it was a rumour.' Tony Windsor said, 'Yes, I said it was a rumour.' Nevertheless, the member for New England had achieved his objective which was to have the baseless innuendo given prominence in the Tamworth's The Northern Daily Leader.

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