Article by Andrew Hough courtesy of the Daily Telegraph.
Magnate pushes to adopt US-style tax cuts.
AUSTRALIA’S richest person has implored the Prime Minister to introduce the economic policies favoured by US President Donald Trump.
Billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart was yesterday among the 250 high-powered guests at the Australian Embassy in Washington for a garden party celebrating Scott Morrison’s state visit.
The Hancock Prospecting executive chairwoman – believed to be worth more than $15.1 billion – was also among the guests at the White House state dinner the day before.
Ms Rinehart, a staunch supporter of Mr Trump, wants the PM to follow his policies.
“Please, Mr Prime Minister bring more of those successful economic policies such as cutting tax (and) cutting (red) tape.” she told The Daily Telegraph at the Garden Party.
Ms Rinehart – whose business interests including the former S. Kidman and Co empire across The Outback, is keen for business costs and “government tape” to be cut.
Her intervention came as guests, who included many of Washington’s and Australia’s elite, enjoyed the hospitality of outgoing Australian ambassador Joe Hockey.
During the festivities, he planted a White House tree on the embassy’s grounds that was an offspring of the famous Jackson magnolia planted at the White House by President Andrew Jackson nearly 200 years ago.
Other guests included billionaires Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest and Kerry Stokes, members of Mr Trump’s cabinet as well as other senior politicians and diplomats.
Following his Oval Office meeting with Mr Trump, Mr Morrison yesterday called for calm amid mounting tensions in the Middle East.
It came just hours after Mr Trump used the meeting to boast about his nuclear arsenal being in “tippy top shape” and “tippy top”.
But the PM commended the President’s “natural instinct” of restraint being a sign of strength.
“It was good to have the opportunity to confirm that again in the course of our discussions,” he said after attending garden party in the capital.
“So I think that should provide some assurance.
“I mean Australia will make its decisions in our national interest.” Mr Morrison also said he was confident the trade war with China would resolve.
It follow’s Mr Trump’s comment that China was a “threat to the world” as the two sat side-by-side in what has been dubbed an “awkward moment” for the Australian PM.
