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Support for Gina Rinehart’s Policies in Australia
The founder of a prominent support group for the US president has recently expressed admiration for Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart, likening her to a “female Donald Trump” and endorsing her efforts to introduce Trump-inspired policies in Australia.
Toni Holt Kramer, the president and founder of The Trumpettes USA, shared with Guardian Australia that her friendship with Rinehart dates back to the early days of Trump’s presidency in 2016. She described Rinehart as an “extremely brilliant woman” who has made significant contributions to the community.
Holt Kramer praised Rinehart, suggesting she would be an excellent candidate for an Australian ambassador to Washington if a government led by Peter Dutton were to come into power. “She’s an incredible woman … I’m so impressed with her through the years. To me, she’s sort of like a female Donald Trump,” Holt Kramer remarked, noting Rinehart’s deep affection for Australia and her commitment to its betterment.
Rinehart, who identifies as a Trump supporter, recently informed her employees that her company headquarters in Perth would undergo renovations that reflect elements of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. This redevelopment plan includes a silver sculpture of Peanut the squirrel, a pet squirrel that gained notoriety in the US after being euthanized by authorities, alongside a plaque featuring a quote from Elon Musk about freedom.
Known for her critique of government overreach, Rinehart is advocating for a movement in Australia reminiscent of the MAGA ethos, urging leaders to adopt policies similar to those promoted by Trump. Since the 2022 election, she has been actively cementing her relationship with opposition leader Peter Dutton, even hosting numerous fundraising events for his party, making Hancock Prospecting a significant donor to the Coalition.
During a speech at a national mining day event last November, Rinehart called for Australia to emulate some of Trump’s successful governance strategies. She stated, “We need to cut government tape, regulations, governments’ wastage and tax burdens across Australia.” Furthermore, she expressed the need for a Department of Government Efficiency, akin to the US model, to facilitate efficient governance and investment in Australia.
Holt Kramer believes Rinehart uniquely blends her original ideas with Trump’s inspiration. “She has her own great ideas,” she asserted, acknowledging that Rinehart’s vision is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and beliefs. Their connection has flourished since Rinehart first met members of Trump’s campaign team in Washington during his initial run for presidency.
The Australian tycoon has intensified her engagement with the US since Trump’s election, attending events where she shared space with influential figures like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. Notably, Rinehart celebrated Trump’s inauguration alongside these prominent personalities and has since invested significantly in US markets, reportedly holding a $1.3 billion portfolio in American stocks, including stakes in companies like Fox Corp and Tesla.
During a recent address to her staff, Rinehart recounted a conversation she had with Trump shortly after his inauguration. She highlighted the massive capital inflow into the US economy and stressed the necessity for substantial reforms to revitalize Australia’s economic prospects. “It will take much more than a tiny tinkering around a few edges,” she emphasized, urging for direct communication with policymakers in Canberra.
Rinehart also reflected on her experience at the Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this year and noted plans for the new teppanyaki area at her Perth headquarters, which will feature the sculpture of Peanut the squirrel and Musk’s quote about government overreach and personal freedom.
Her speech included a satirical image of a kangaroo in Australian attire carrying a sign that read “drain the billabong,” cleverly drawing parallels with Trump’s call to “drain the swamp.” This rhetoric illustrates Rinehart’s intention to advocate for free-market policies and decreased government intervention in the economy.
Source
www.theguardian.com