Gina Rinehart urges Australia’s conservatives to embrace Trump-style policies

After Liberal Party’s election defeat, Rinehart calls for rebuilding through U.S.-inspired conservative principles.

Gina Rinehart at the Furphy Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse, on November 6, 2018, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Gina Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest individual and a prominent donor to the center-right Liberal Party, has called on conservatives to adopt a bolder, Trump-inspired platform following the party’s crushing loss in the federal election. In a detailed statement released Monday morning, Rinehart said the Liberals must not retreat after the defeat, but instead learn from it and pursue “common sense and truth,” pointing to the political strategy of U.S. President Donald Trump as a model.

Gina Rinehart urges Australia’s conservatives to embrace Trump-style policies underpinned the message as the iron ore magnate aligned herself more directly with the American right-wing political approach. Her remarks come two days after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the center-left Labor Party to a commanding victory, securing a full majority in parliament while Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton lost his seat.

Billionaire calls on conservatives to rebuild with Trump-style resolve

“Yes, the loss was devastating for the Liberals — emotionally exhausting, disappointing and worrying for many,” Rinehart wrote in her public statement. “But it is important not to throw away truth and analytical skills. Instead, we must learn from the loss and rebuild.”

Rinehart, who has an estimated net worth of $25.9 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has long been involved in the mining industry and is known for her influence within Australian politics. Her latest statement, however, marks one of her most outspoken political interventions yet, explicitly encouraging conservatives to draw lessons from Trump’s brand of populism.

Increasing political involvement and Trump allegiance

The 70-year-old tycoon has become visibly more active in political commentary in recent months. Her ties to Trump have grown stronger — she attended the president’s election night party at Mar-a-Lago in November 2024 and has praised his policies as rooted in “truth” and “common sense.”

Her alignment with the U.S. conservative movement mirrors her financial commitment to Australia’s Liberal Party. According to available electoral data, Rinehart donated A$500,000 (about $323,100) to various state branches of the Liberal Party ahead of the election. The donations underscore her belief in steering Australian politics in a direction she views as more pragmatic, market-oriented, and nationalistic — values often associated with the Trump administration.

Criticism of voters and call to action

In her post-election statement, Rinehart did not mince words about her disappointment with Australian voters. She accused many of “not getting it” and warned that the failure to recognize what she considers to be economic and cultural truths would hurt the country in the long run.

“There’s much to be concerned about when truth is ignored and emotion governs decisions,” she said. “We need to stay and fight for understanding of the changes Australia needs.”

She further urged supporters of the Liberal Party to take this loss as a chance to “enlarge the foundations of common sense, rationale, and truth.” The tone of her message echoed that of Trump’s own post-election communications — combative, defiant, and forward-looking in a way that suggests a redoubling of efforts rather than a retreat from the political battlefield.

Dutton distances himself from Trump comparisons

During the campaign, Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party repeatedly drew parallels between Peter Dutton and Donald Trump, accusing the Liberal leader of borrowing heavily from Trump’s playbook — especially on immigration, national security, and energy. Dutton, seeking to appeal to a broader electorate, downplayed the comparison and eventually began distancing himself from the U.S. president in the final weeks of the campaign.

Despite this effort, the Liberal Party failed to regain traction with voters, suffering one of its worst electoral defeats in decades. Dutton’s personal loss of his seat added a symbolic weight to the result, signaling a clear rejection by constituents and leaving the party leaderless in the immediate aftermath.

Rinehart’s path forward: lean in, not back

While many within the Liberal Party are now reflecting on the need to modernize and reconnect with centrist voters, Rinehart is advocating a different route — doubling down on ideology and rhetoric that mirrors Trump’s approach. She emphasized the importance of “courage” and “conviction” in public messaging and called on conservatives to reject political correctness and what she perceives as left-wing dominance in Australian discourse.

“The future won’t be built on silence or retreat,” Rinehart insisted. “It will come from conviction, debate, and defending what we know to be true, even when it's unpopular.”

This view is likely to divide Australia’s conservative base further. Some party members believe the Liberals need to pivot toward younger voters and climate-conscious constituencies, while others, like Rinehart, argue for a return to more hardline positions on economics, energy, and national identity.

From mining empire to political powerhouse

As the executive chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart has long been one of the most influential figures in Australia’s mining sector. Her immense wealth and conservative values have allowed her to shape national conversations on energy policy, taxation, and government regulation. With the rise of progressive politics in urban Australia, Rinehart has emerged as a leading voice against what she sees as excessive government interference in business and individual liberties.

Her admiration for Trump is rooted in this worldview. She frequently praises his deregulation agenda, emphasis on energy independence, and outspoken nationalism — all principles she believes Australia should adopt more aggressively.

A new chapter in conservative politics?

It remains to be seen whether Rinehart’s call to adopt Trump-style policies will resonate within the Liberal Party’s ranks. While she remains an influential donor and public figure, the party’s future direction is likely to be shaped by a broader range of voices, including moderates who warn that doubling down on right-wing populism could alienate swing voters in suburban and urban electorates.

However, in the wake of such a historic loss, all strategies are on the table. As the Liberal Party begins the process of choosing a new leader and reevaluating its platform, Rinehart’s statement may mark the beginning of a louder and more ideologically charged era for Australia’s conservative movement.

Whether that movement will follow a Trumpian trajectory or seek to chart a more centrist course remains a defining question in the post-election political landscape.