Gina
The Guardian
Gina Rinehart tops Australia's rich list. She is a success story, worth almost $40bn. She’s also a climate sceptic, a Trumpette, a litigant – even against her own kids – and the woman who saved Australian swimming. She doesn’t shy from a fight and she’s sensitive about controlling her image. As her wealth continues to rise, so do her power and her influence. For her whole life she has advocated for rightwing causes – she’s a fierce critic of bureaucracy, and wants to cut red and green tape to boost the country’s prosperity. We explore how much power she has. Hearing from a range of her critics and defenders, and tracing her influence from the Pilbara to the corridors of power, this series asks: who is Gina Rinehart and what does she want? Listen and subscribe to Gina on Apple podcasts, Spotify or any other podcast app. You can also find all The Guardian's best other series by the Australian audio team here on this podcast feed.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 18, 2025 • 1h 14min
Gina: What does she want? – episode 7
Tim Winton, a renowned West Australian novelist and environmental advocate, joins Andrew Nikiforik, a Canadian journalist, and Alexander Howard, a Senior Lecturer in English. They dive into the controversial Grassy Mountain coal project, weighing economic benefits against environmental costs. The discussion touches on Ayn Rand's influence on Gina Rinehart's worldview, highlighting her capitalist ideals amid pressing climate concerns. They also explore the disconnect between wealth and environmental awareness, questioning the role of privilege in political discourse.
May 11, 2025 • 1h 14min
Gina: Mythmaking – episode 6
In this conversation with Bernard Lagan, a seasoned journalist for The Times, the focus is on the complex legacy of Australia's mining history. They dissect Lang Hancock's controversial origins in blue asbestos mining at Wittenoom and its devastating health impacts. The haunting stories of former residents seeking justice add depth to this narrative. They also tackle the Hancock family's dual legacy, celebrating their successes while confronting the darker repercussions of their mining ventures, including the cultural toll on Indigenous communities.
May 4, 2025 • 18min
Gina: The DNA request – update episode
This discussion centers on the complex legacy of Lang Hancock and the emotional testimonies from his alleged unacknowledged daughters. Personal stories highlight the trauma of the Stolen Generations, particularly the experiences of Stella Robinson. A profound call for justice emerges, advocating for the return of Mulga Downs to the Bunjima people. Furthermore, the conversation emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and community support, shedding light on Hancock Prospecting's commitments to Indigenous heritage and welfare.
Apr 27, 2025 • 1h 12min
Gina: The portrait – episode 5
In this insightful discussion, Bruce Johnson-McLean, the Wirri Birgubba head curator of First Nations art, shares his perspective on the controversial portrait of Gina Rinehart. Kelvin Kickett, who claims ancestral ties to Lang Hancock, adds depth with his reflections on identity and heritage. John Singleton, a close friend of Hancock, provides context on the family's complex legacy. They explore the intersection of wealth, power, and art, examining how sponsorship affects athletes' lives and the broader implications for Indigenous rights in Australia.
Apr 20, 2025 • 45min
Gina: The first-born son – episode 4
In a gripping interview, John Hancock, Gina Rinehart's first-born son, reveals the dramatic fallout of his relationship with his mother, marked by a legal battle over family trust and mining assets. He shares how their last positive interaction was two decades ago, reflecting on deeply personal childhood memories intertwined with the crushing weight of family legacy. John explores the emotional toll of navigating complex family dynamics, ambitious aspirations, and the high stakes of inheritance wars that could alter Gina's empire.
68 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
Gina: Love and money – episode 3
John Hancock, Gina Reinhardt's firstborn son, discusses his complicated relationship with his mother and their ongoing legal battles. Investigative journalist Debbie Marshall reveals insights from her biography of Gina and her family’s legacy. Advertising legend John Singleton shares fascinating anecdotes about Gina's childhood and the powerful influences in her life. They explore the intricate balance of being a mining heiress versus a self-made mogul, the evolution of Gina's wealth, and the emotional turmoil within the Hancock family.
Apr 6, 2025 • 57min
Gina: Like father, like daughter – episode 2
Michael Yabsley, a former advisor to mining mogul Gina Rinehart, and Ken Henry, ex-Treasury Secretary, dive into the profound political influence of wealth. They discuss Rinehart's strategic opposition to the mining super profits tax and how she learned from her father, Lang Hancock, a pioneer of the iron ore industry. The conversation also tackles the push for Western Australia's secession, personal rivalries in mining, and the complex interplay of politics and economics that shapes Australia's future.
Mar 30, 2025 • 48min
Gina: Becoming Mrs Rinehart – episode 1
In this discussion, Brian Tucker, a Banjima man, shares insights on the mining industry's impact on his ancestral lands, emphasizing the cultural significance of these territories. Debbie Marshall, an investigative journalist and author, provides a deep dive into Gina Rinehart's upbringing, revealing how her father Lang Hancock shaped her powerful persona. The conversation touches on Gina's tangled relationship with politics and business, exploring her influence in Australia while highlighting the historical importance of the Pilbara region.
Mar 16, 2025 • 8min
Gina: the billionaire who wants to make Australia great
Gina Rinehart is Australia’s richest person – and as her wealth continues to rise, so does her power and influence. But what does she want? As the federal election approaches, Guardian Australia’s new series explores the impact she could have on Australian politics. Senior correspondent Sarah Martin investigates decades of family history and infighting to make sense of how she became a mining billionaire, legal warrior and Trump admirer – and what she might do next.
Jan 9, 2025 • 23min
How to: Zoë Foster Blake on how to write a book
How does a hugely successful entrepreneur and parent find the energy, creativity and time to write a novel? Zoë Foster Blake tells Bridie Jabour how she makes the most of 90 minutes and where she starts You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
