Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says “useless red tape” is to blame for the arrest of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson following an incident in which several people were severely injured in Albury this morning.

Senator Hanson and One Nation MP, Barnaby Joyce, were detained for questioning after they travelled to a pre-poll voting centre in Albury in the new aircraft donated to their party by Ms Rinehart. (main picture)

Senator Hanson who was at the controls even though she does not hold a pilot’s licence, attempted to enter the car park of the pre-poll centre where voters are casting early ballots for the 9 May Farrer by-election.

NSW Police said at least a dozen people were injured, with some losing limbs, when struck by the aircraft’s propeller.

“We are at present trying to determine the number and types of injuries sustained but it could take some time,” a police source said.

“In the meantime we have arrested Senator Hanson and charged her with operating the plane without a licence and for inflicting grievous bodily harm on several individuals. More such charges may well follow.

“We had also originally charged her with operating the plane while over the alcohol limit after she undertook a breathalyser test on site, but later dropped the charge when we realised she had simply been sitting very close to Mr Joyce.”

When contacted for comment, Ms Rinehart said she was shocked that Senator Hanson had been charged and was due to appear in court later today.

“These charges are nothing but more than useless red tape,” she said. “I mean, it’s just like mining – I should be free to dig up whatever I like wherever I like and whenever I like.

“So why can’t someone fly a plane without having to go through the hoops of being licensed?”

Ms Rinehart said she would ensure Senator Hanson escaped conviction for the alleged offences.

“If all else fails I’ll just buy the Albury Magistrates Court,” she said.

Want to be alerted immediately a new blog hits Australia’s longest running and most offensive satire site? Simply click on the Follow sign or the link below to be emailed new yarns the moment they are uploaded! The very second we go far too far – and trust us we will – you can then quickly unfollow via the three dots!

Follow The Bug Online on WordPress.com