The Australian Electoral Commission will investigate claims that Pauline Hanson's One Nation party breached electoral disclosure laws by failing to declare a private plane allegedly donated by a Victorian businessman.
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In an episode of Four Corners on Monday night, former One Nation treasurer Ian Nelson claimed he urged Senator Hanson and her high-profile chief of staff, James Ashby, to disclose the donation, but was overruled.
Mr Nelson, who has since fallen out with Senator Hanson, alleged Melbourne property developer Bill McNee transferred funds to buy the plane to Mr Ashby and that it was insured in his name.
Mr Nelson said the Jabiru plane, decorated with party logos and a cartoon of Ms Hanson, was used to "ferry Pauline Hanson around" Queensland ahead of the 2016 election.
Mr McNee told Four Corners he had not provided support to any political party outside what is alreadydisclosed on the public record.
Mr Ashby said in a statement on Tuesday his company had bought the plane and he was happy for the AEC to investigate the matter.
"It's the second plane I've owned. I'm very capable of buying my own planes. The hours used for the party have been declared."
Further comment from One Nation has been sought.
Following a request on Tuesday from Labor senator Murray Watt, an AEC spokesman said: "The AEC is aware of allegations made on Monday evening's Four Corners program and through other media outlets.
"This information is now being reviewed in the context of the disclosure provisions of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918."
The spokesman said the AEC undertakes regular compliance reviews and would consider "information placed in the public domain" as part of its inquiries.
Special Minister of State Scott Ryan spoke to the AEC about the program on Tuesday.
Senator Watt on Tuesday wrote to Australian Electoral Commission head Tom Rogers requesting he investigate whether the matters raised on the program should be referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
"The program contained serious allegations that PHON, Pauline Hanson and her Chief of Staff, James Ashby, may have breached financial disclosure obligations under the Commonwealth Electoral Act," Senator Watt said in his letter.
"In the broadcast, former party treasurer Ian Nelson alleges that PHON failed to declare a significant donation from property developer Bill McNee, which the party used to fund the purchase of a Jabiru light aircraft. According to the manufacturer's website, the cost of a new Jabiru light aircraft can exceed $100,000."
Senator Watt said the allegations were "very serious".
"As you are aware, a breach of financial disclosure obligations under the act may be a criminal offence," he said.
"Furthermore, any attempt to subvert these critical measures, which seek to ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing, threatens to undermine public confidence in our system of democracy.
"I ask you to investigate these serious allegations, and refer them to the Director of Public Prosecutions, if appropriate."
Activist group GetUp! has also sent a separate request to the AEC to investigate the matter.