# One Nation's Missing Campaign Aircraft Located in Broken Hill Hangar An investigation confirms the party's former Jabiru aircraft was sold to a private pilot. - **Source:** [ABC Australia – Just In](https://www.abc.net.au/news/justin) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0e70f701-3873-49ae-a4f4-5426d7057c4d ## Discovery of Missing Aircraft The Jabiru 230D aircraft, previously used by One Nation, has been located in a hangar in Broken Hill. The plane, identified by tail number 24-8637, was tracked to a private operator in far-western New South Wales. This discovery resolves long-standing questions regarding the whereabouts of the party's first campaign light aircraft. ## Sale Proceeds and Ownership National director James Ashby confirmed he sold the aircraft to a private pilot. Ashby indicated he received the sale proceeds and sought permission from businessman Bill McNee, who originally provided the funding for the plane. The current owner, a state public servant, has no apparent connection to the One Nation political party. ## Historical Funding Controversy The aircraft became a focal point of controversy in 2017 following allegations that funding for the plane was not properly declared as a donation. Reports suggested Bill McNee provided the initial capital, leading to an Australian Electoral Commission investigation. The party previously faced scrutiny over whether the aircraft was a declared political gift. ## AEC Disclosure and Amendments Following the 2017 investigation, James Ashby lodged a donor return in 2018 declaring $30,375 for the aircraft's usage. Simultaneously, a company linked to Bill McNee filed amended returns totaling over $100,000 for the 2014-2016 period. The Australian Electoral Commission concluded in December 2018 that these disclosures met the necessary legal requirements. ## Tracking the Aircraft's Journey The plane was originally decorated with Pauline Hanson's face and campaign slogans for 2015 election activities. By 2018, it was photographed in plain white livery at Caboolture Airfield. Earlier this year, the aircraft was spotted at Gunnedah Airport before being traced to its current storage location at the Broken Hill regional airport. ## Financial Transparency Questions Despite the AEC's previous findings, the sale of the aircraft has renewed questions regarding the handling of party assets. James Ashby did not disclose the final sale price, though similar Jabiru models typically list between $80,000 and $100,000. The lack of public records regarding the transaction remains a point of interest for observers. ## Current Party Aviation Assets One Nation has moved on from the Jabiru aircraft, which is now privately held. Earlier this year, it was revealed that mining magnate Gina Rinehart gifted the use of a Cirrus SR22 aircraft to the party. This new asset is valued at approximately $1.5 million, significantly exceeding the value of the original light plane. ## Implications for Political Accountability The location of the aircraft highlights the ongoing challenges of tracking political donations and assets in Australia. While the AEC investigation closed in 2018, the mystery surrounding the plane's ownership and eventual sale underscores the importance of rigorous financial reporting for political entities. Transparency remains a critical factor in maintaining public trust. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-12/one-nation-missing-first-aircraft-broken-hill/107373086 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._