Gina Rinehart's right-hand woman Teena McQueen out the door at Hancock
McQueen, a regular talking head on Sky News' after-dark programming, joined the Hancock Prospecting payroll in 2022 as a group principal policy adviser to the executive team, and has, since acted as a kind of Robin to Rinehart's Batman, travelling with the boss to Florida last year and hanging out at Trump's estate for the long victory celebrations.
But no more. CBD hears McQueen is out of her role at the Hancock Prospecting family. Rinehart's normally helpful team issued a swift 'no comment' in response to our queries.
But McQueen told us she would be taking some time off for family issues.
'She's still a very good friend and wonderful person,' she said of her billionaire pal.
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McQueen, a former federal Liberal vice-president, was at the time of her hiring by Rinehart subject to a gag order by the party following a train wreck appearance on Q&A.
MCQueen has managed to outlive the ABC program which was euthanised a few months ago, and has recently made a name for herself through some fairly full-blooded interventions in WhatsApp groups. When broadcaster Alan Jones was charged with indecent assault offences last year (which he denies and is contesting), McQueen sprung to action, telling a Liberal group chat the whole thing was 'absolute bullshit'.
More recently, she told another group chat a petition calling for gender quotas in the Liberal Party was 'disgraceful'. Although as this column reported, someone calling themselves 'Teena McQueen' – in jest – did sign that very same petition.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Final pitches for snap state election 'nobody wanted'
A signature Liberal promise has copped a scathing assessment on the eve of Tasmania's election that is tipped to return a hung parliament. Saturday's poll is the second in 16 months for the state, called after minority Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a parliamentary no-confidence motion in June. The latest opinion survey suggests the Liberals will pick up more seats than Labor but neither will reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Both major parties have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to form government but say they are prepared to work with "sensible independents". Mr Rockliff on Friday spruiked Tasmania's nation-leading unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent and the experience of the Liberals' 11-years in power. He conceded the election would be close, but said the state could not risk single-issue independents who would "put themselves above Tasmanians". Polling suggests 20 per cent support for independents, with the Liberals on 35, Labor on 25 and the Greens on 16. Mr Rockliff's pledge for a state-owned insurance company to bring down prices of premiums has been lashed by Labor as a thought bubble. Treasury on Friday revealed it was unable to cost the proposal because of insufficient detail and it would likely incur additional costs for any government. "This damning assessment proves once again that you can't trust anything that Jeremy Rockliff says," Labor MP Josh Willie said. Management of the state's deteriorating finances has been front and centre during campaigning and a major reason for the successful no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. Tasmania's debt is forecast to more than double to $13 billion by 2027/28. Labor leader Dean Winter held a barbecue with party faithful in Hobart and pressed his mantra of a fresh start, saying the Liberals had mismanaged major projects. "Our finances are the worst in the nation," Mr Winter said. "Health waitlists are double the size they were a decade ago, and young people are fleeing the state in record numbers." Both leaders continue to blame each other for the snap poll, which has been dubbed the election no one really wanted. "Poll after poll, door after door we've heard loud and clear Tasmanians overwhelmingly do not want a new stadium," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff told reporters. "We have been strong on this issue from the very beginning and we will be piling on the pressure in the next parliament." The Liberals hold 14 seats in the 35-seat lower house, while Labor holds 10 and the Greens five. More than 100,000 people have voted early - about a quarter of Tasmania's 412,000 enrolled voters and an increase of 30,000 from the same point in the last campaign. There are a record 44 independents running, with incumbents Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, who voted no-confidence in Mr Rockliff, expected to return. Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave sitting Labor MP Julie Collins a fright at the federal election, has thrown his hat in the ring. A signature Liberal promise has copped a scathing assessment on the eve of Tasmania's election that is tipped to return a hung parliament. Saturday's poll is the second in 16 months for the state, called after minority Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a parliamentary no-confidence motion in June. The latest opinion survey suggests the Liberals will pick up more seats than Labor but neither will reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Both major parties have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to form government but say they are prepared to work with "sensible independents". Mr Rockliff on Friday spruiked Tasmania's nation-leading unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent and the experience of the Liberals' 11-years in power. He conceded the election would be close, but said the state could not risk single-issue independents who would "put themselves above Tasmanians". Polling suggests 20 per cent support for independents, with the Liberals on 35, Labor on 25 and the Greens on 16. Mr Rockliff's pledge for a state-owned insurance company to bring down prices of premiums has been lashed by Labor as a thought bubble. Treasury on Friday revealed it was unable to cost the proposal because of insufficient detail and it would likely incur additional costs for any government. "This damning assessment proves once again that you can't trust anything that Jeremy Rockliff says," Labor MP Josh Willie said. Management of the state's deteriorating finances has been front and centre during campaigning and a major reason for the successful no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. Tasmania's debt is forecast to more than double to $13 billion by 2027/28. Labor leader Dean Winter held a barbecue with party faithful in Hobart and pressed his mantra of a fresh start, saying the Liberals had mismanaged major projects. "Our finances are the worst in the nation," Mr Winter said. "Health waitlists are double the size they were a decade ago, and young people are fleeing the state in record numbers." Both leaders continue to blame each other for the snap poll, which has been dubbed the election no one really wanted. "Poll after poll, door after door we've heard loud and clear Tasmanians overwhelmingly do not want a new stadium," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff told reporters. "We have been strong on this issue from the very beginning and we will be piling on the pressure in the next parliament." The Liberals hold 14 seats in the 35-seat lower house, while Labor holds 10 and the Greens five. More than 100,000 people have voted early - about a quarter of Tasmania's 412,000 enrolled voters and an increase of 30,000 from the same point in the last campaign. There are a record 44 independents running, with incumbents Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, who voted no-confidence in Mr Rockliff, expected to return. Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave sitting Labor MP Julie Collins a fright at the federal election, has thrown his hat in the ring. A signature Liberal promise has copped a scathing assessment on the eve of Tasmania's election that is tipped to return a hung parliament. Saturday's poll is the second in 16 months for the state, called after minority Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a parliamentary no-confidence motion in June. The latest opinion survey suggests the Liberals will pick up more seats than Labor but neither will reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Both major parties have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to form government but say they are prepared to work with "sensible independents". Mr Rockliff on Friday spruiked Tasmania's nation-leading unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent and the experience of the Liberals' 11-years in power. He conceded the election would be close, but said the state could not risk single-issue independents who would "put themselves above Tasmanians". Polling suggests 20 per cent support for independents, with the Liberals on 35, Labor on 25 and the Greens on 16. Mr Rockliff's pledge for a state-owned insurance company to bring down prices of premiums has been lashed by Labor as a thought bubble. Treasury on Friday revealed it was unable to cost the proposal because of insufficient detail and it would likely incur additional costs for any government. "This damning assessment proves once again that you can't trust anything that Jeremy Rockliff says," Labor MP Josh Willie said. Management of the state's deteriorating finances has been front and centre during campaigning and a major reason for the successful no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. Tasmania's debt is forecast to more than double to $13 billion by 2027/28. Labor leader Dean Winter held a barbecue with party faithful in Hobart and pressed his mantra of a fresh start, saying the Liberals had mismanaged major projects. "Our finances are the worst in the nation," Mr Winter said. "Health waitlists are double the size they were a decade ago, and young people are fleeing the state in record numbers." Both leaders continue to blame each other for the snap poll, which has been dubbed the election no one really wanted. "Poll after poll, door after door we've heard loud and clear Tasmanians overwhelmingly do not want a new stadium," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff told reporters. "We have been strong on this issue from the very beginning and we will be piling on the pressure in the next parliament." The Liberals hold 14 seats in the 35-seat lower house, while Labor holds 10 and the Greens five. More than 100,000 people have voted early - about a quarter of Tasmania's 412,000 enrolled voters and an increase of 30,000 from the same point in the last campaign. There are a record 44 independents running, with incumbents Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, who voted no-confidence in Mr Rockliff, expected to return. Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave sitting Labor MP Julie Collins a fright at the federal election, has thrown his hat in the ring. A signature Liberal promise has copped a scathing assessment on the eve of Tasmania's election that is tipped to return a hung parliament. Saturday's poll is the second in 16 months for the state, called after minority Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a parliamentary no-confidence motion in June. The latest opinion survey suggests the Liberals will pick up more seats than Labor but neither will reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Both major parties have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to form government but say they are prepared to work with "sensible independents". Mr Rockliff on Friday spruiked Tasmania's nation-leading unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent and the experience of the Liberals' 11-years in power. He conceded the election would be close, but said the state could not risk single-issue independents who would "put themselves above Tasmanians". Polling suggests 20 per cent support for independents, with the Liberals on 35, Labor on 25 and the Greens on 16. Mr Rockliff's pledge for a state-owned insurance company to bring down prices of premiums has been lashed by Labor as a thought bubble. Treasury on Friday revealed it was unable to cost the proposal because of insufficient detail and it would likely incur additional costs for any government. "This damning assessment proves once again that you can't trust anything that Jeremy Rockliff says," Labor MP Josh Willie said. Management of the state's deteriorating finances has been front and centre during campaigning and a major reason for the successful no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. Tasmania's debt is forecast to more than double to $13 billion by 2027/28. Labor leader Dean Winter held a barbecue with party faithful in Hobart and pressed his mantra of a fresh start, saying the Liberals had mismanaged major projects. "Our finances are the worst in the nation," Mr Winter said. "Health waitlists are double the size they were a decade ago, and young people are fleeing the state in record numbers." Both leaders continue to blame each other for the snap poll, which has been dubbed the election no one really wanted. "Poll after poll, door after door we've heard loud and clear Tasmanians overwhelmingly do not want a new stadium," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff told reporters. "We have been strong on this issue from the very beginning and we will be piling on the pressure in the next parliament." The Liberals hold 14 seats in the 35-seat lower house, while Labor holds 10 and the Greens five. More than 100,000 people have voted early - about a quarter of Tasmania's 412,000 enrolled voters and an increase of 30,000 from the same point in the last campaign. There are a record 44 independents running, with incumbents Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, who voted no-confidence in Mr Rockliff, expected to return. Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave sitting Labor MP Julie Collins a fright at the federal election, has thrown his hat in the ring.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia news LIVE: Architect of PNG NRL team bid stands down from board after corruption allegations; Trump diagnosed with medical condition
1.47pm Tasmanians look set to deliver hung parliament at the polls By Daniella White and Hannah Kennelly Tasmania is staring down the barrel of another hung parliament as polls show Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff's snap election gambit is unlikely to return a majority government. The future of Tasmania's AFL team and the state's fiscal health hang in the balance amid a deep political divide over the proposed Hobart stadium, which is backed by the major parties but fiercely opposed by the Greens and some of the crossbench. Voters will head to the polls tomorrow for the second time in 16 months – the fourth state election in seven years. But few are optimistic it will lead to a new period of political stability. The latest opinion survey suggests the Liberals will pick up more seats than Labor but neither will reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. More than 100,000 people have voted early – about a quarter of Tasmania's 412,000 enrolled voters, and an increase of 30,000 from the same point in the previous campaign. Labor leader Dean Winter held a barbecue with party faithful in Hobart this morning, while Rockliff will attempt to drum up support in the state's northwest. Both leaders have continued to blame each other for the snap poll, which has been dubbed the election no one really wanted. You can read more from Daniella White and Hannah Kennelly here. With AAP 1.25pm Today's headlines at a glance By Cassandra Morgan Good afternoon, and thanks for reading the national news blog. I'm Cassandra Morgan, taking over from Daniel Lo Surdo. If you're just joining us, here's a look at what we've been covering today. The Coalition has levelled more attacks against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's week-long China visit, as Liberal senator Jane Hume said the trip catered to 'the prime minister's Instagram more than the country's national interest'. Albanese had brushed aside the criticism. A statement from the prime minister's office today described his meeting with high-ranking Chinese officials in Beijing, including an expansive conversation with President Xi Jinping, as the 'centrepiece' of the visit. Papua New Guinea NRL franchise director Wapu Sonk has stood down from the board of the expansion team at the request of the country's leader, James Marape, following corruption concerns revealed by this masthead. A law firm has lodged a complaint with Australia's information commissioner on behalf of Qantas customers whose data was exposed in a June 30 data breach Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said that global economic leaders have been discussing US President Donald Trump's tariff regime in a 'blunt' and 'upfront' manner during discussions at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors summit in South Africa this week. Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic but non-serious health condition after swelling in his lower legs caused alarm during a recent appearance at a major sporting event. 12.35pm PNG NRL director stands down following corruption concerns By Chris Barrett PNG NRL franchise director Wapu Sonk has stood down from the board of the expansion team at the request of the country's leader, James Marape, following corruption concerns revealed by this masthead. 'I have spoken to Mr Sonk and, while he is currently overseas, I have requested that he step down from his role as a director on the PNG NRL franchise board effective immediately. He has agreed to do so,' Marape said. 'This reflects PNG's commitment to the highest standards of integrity, probity, and public trust. 'This is not a presumption of guilt. Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners.' Sonk led PNG's campaign for an NRL team, which is being backed by a $600 million investment from the Albanese government. Evidence which raises serious questions about whether Sonk sought to benefit personally from his power as chief of PNG's national oil company, and not in relation to the NRL bid, includes confidential documents and corporate records and links Sonk's company to suspect dealings with a massive Chinese government firm and a plot to funnel contracts to a company Sonk owns in Australia.
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Election-weary state heads to the polls again
Tasmania will vote on Saturday at an early election, the state's second in two years and fourth in seven years. SEATS HELD (18 required for majority) * Liberal 14, Labor 10, Greens five, independents five, Jacqui Lambie Network one. WHY ARE WE HERE? * Liberal minority Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a no-confidence vote in parliament in June. He refused to step aside as leader, with the governor calling an election because no workable government could be formed. POLLING * Multiple surveys point to a hung parliament, with the latest by DemosAU putting the Liberals at 34.9 per cent support, followed by Labor (24.7), independents (20.3), the Greens (15.6) and Nationals (2.7). MAJOR ISSUES * The stadium. Both major parties support a new $945 million waterfront venue in Hobart but it is opposed by the Greens, several crossbenchers and parts of the community. * The budget. Ballooning debt, forecast to more than double to $13 billion in 2027/28, was a reason for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. * Health. Labor is pledging to set up 10 free bulk-billing GP clinics, while the Liberals have committed to five. * Cost-of-living. The Liberals want to establish a state-owned insurer with the goal of making premiums cheaper. PROSPECTIVE PREMIERS * Liberal - Jeremy Rockliff. From a farming family, the 55-year-old has been premier since 2022 and part of the Liberal government since they came to power in 2014. * Labor - Dean Winter. A former councillor, the 40-year-old became leader after his party's 2024 election loss. HARE-CLARK * Under Tasmania's voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the five electorates. CANDIDATES OF INTEREST * The Liberals recruited former federal MPs Gavin Pearce and Bridget Archer to run, while Labor has done the same with Brian Mitchell. * Anti-salmon activist Peter George, who picked up sizeable support at the federal election, is among a record cohort of 44 independent candidates. * The Nationals are aiming to enter parliament via former Liberal John Tucker and ex-Jacqui Lambie Network MPs Andrew Jenner and Miriam Beswick. Tasmania will vote on Saturday at an early election, the state's second in two years and fourth in seven years. SEATS HELD (18 required for majority) * Liberal 14, Labor 10, Greens five, independents five, Jacqui Lambie Network one. WHY ARE WE HERE? * Liberal minority Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a no-confidence vote in parliament in June. He refused to step aside as leader, with the governor calling an election because no workable government could be formed. POLLING * Multiple surveys point to a hung parliament, with the latest by DemosAU putting the Liberals at 34.9 per cent support, followed by Labor (24.7), independents (20.3), the Greens (15.6) and Nationals (2.7). MAJOR ISSUES * The stadium. Both major parties support a new $945 million waterfront venue in Hobart but it is opposed by the Greens, several crossbenchers and parts of the community. * The budget. Ballooning debt, forecast to more than double to $13 billion in 2027/28, was a reason for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. * Health. Labor is pledging to set up 10 free bulk-billing GP clinics, while the Liberals have committed to five. * Cost-of-living. The Liberals want to establish a state-owned insurer with the goal of making premiums cheaper. PROSPECTIVE PREMIERS * Liberal - Jeremy Rockliff. From a farming family, the 55-year-old has been premier since 2022 and part of the Liberal government since they came to power in 2014. * Labor - Dean Winter. A former councillor, the 40-year-old became leader after his party's 2024 election loss. HARE-CLARK * Under Tasmania's voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the five electorates. CANDIDATES OF INTEREST * The Liberals recruited former federal MPs Gavin Pearce and Bridget Archer to run, while Labor has done the same with Brian Mitchell. * Anti-salmon activist Peter George, who picked up sizeable support at the federal election, is among a record cohort of 44 independent candidates. * The Nationals are aiming to enter parliament via former Liberal John Tucker and ex-Jacqui Lambie Network MPs Andrew Jenner and Miriam Beswick. Tasmania will vote on Saturday at an early election, the state's second in two years and fourth in seven years. SEATS HELD (18 required for majority) * Liberal 14, Labor 10, Greens five, independents five, Jacqui Lambie Network one. WHY ARE WE HERE? * Liberal minority Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a no-confidence vote in parliament in June. He refused to step aside as leader, with the governor calling an election because no workable government could be formed. POLLING * Multiple surveys point to a hung parliament, with the latest by DemosAU putting the Liberals at 34.9 per cent support, followed by Labor (24.7), independents (20.3), the Greens (15.6) and Nationals (2.7). MAJOR ISSUES * The stadium. Both major parties support a new $945 million waterfront venue in Hobart but it is opposed by the Greens, several crossbenchers and parts of the community. * The budget. Ballooning debt, forecast to more than double to $13 billion in 2027/28, was a reason for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. * Health. Labor is pledging to set up 10 free bulk-billing GP clinics, while the Liberals have committed to five. * Cost-of-living. The Liberals want to establish a state-owned insurer with the goal of making premiums cheaper. PROSPECTIVE PREMIERS * Liberal - Jeremy Rockliff. From a farming family, the 55-year-old has been premier since 2022 and part of the Liberal government since they came to power in 2014. * Labor - Dean Winter. A former councillor, the 40-year-old became leader after his party's 2024 election loss. HARE-CLARK * Under Tasmania's voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the five electorates. CANDIDATES OF INTEREST * The Liberals recruited former federal MPs Gavin Pearce and Bridget Archer to run, while Labor has done the same with Brian Mitchell. * Anti-salmon activist Peter George, who picked up sizeable support at the federal election, is among a record cohort of 44 independent candidates. * The Nationals are aiming to enter parliament via former Liberal John Tucker and ex-Jacqui Lambie Network MPs Andrew Jenner and Miriam Beswick. Tasmania will vote on Saturday at an early election, the state's second in two years and fourth in seven years. SEATS HELD (18 required for majority) * Liberal 14, Labor 10, Greens five, independents five, Jacqui Lambie Network one. WHY ARE WE HERE? * Liberal minority Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a no-confidence vote in parliament in June. He refused to step aside as leader, with the governor calling an election because no workable government could be formed. POLLING * Multiple surveys point to a hung parliament, with the latest by DemosAU putting the Liberals at 34.9 per cent support, followed by Labor (24.7), independents (20.3), the Greens (15.6) and Nationals (2.7). MAJOR ISSUES * The stadium. Both major parties support a new $945 million waterfront venue in Hobart but it is opposed by the Greens, several crossbenchers and parts of the community. * The budget. Ballooning debt, forecast to more than double to $13 billion in 2027/28, was a reason for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff. * Health. Labor is pledging to set up 10 free bulk-billing GP clinics, while the Liberals have committed to five. * Cost-of-living. The Liberals want to establish a state-owned insurer with the goal of making premiums cheaper. PROSPECTIVE PREMIERS * Liberal - Jeremy Rockliff. From a farming family, the 55-year-old has been premier since 2022 and part of the Liberal government since they came to power in 2014. * Labor - Dean Winter. A former councillor, the 40-year-old became leader after his party's 2024 election loss. HARE-CLARK * Under Tasmania's voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the five electorates. CANDIDATES OF INTEREST * The Liberals recruited former federal MPs Gavin Pearce and Bridget Archer to run, while Labor has done the same with Brian Mitchell. * Anti-salmon activist Peter George, who picked up sizeable support at the federal election, is among a record cohort of 44 independent candidates. * The Nationals are aiming to enter parliament via former Liberal John Tucker and ex-Jacqui Lambie Network MPs Andrew Jenner and Miriam Beswick.
