Not so long ago, politicians cared about the optics of big donations (opens original article in a new tab)

The article discusses how Australian politicians' attitudes toward accepting large donations from wealthy individuals have shifted, with recent figures like Pauline Hanson showing less reluctance compared to past leaders who avoided such associations for PR reasons.

• LNP leader Lawrence Springborg rejected a billionaire's jet offer due to PR concerns during a 2008 election.
• Barnaby Joyce returned a $40,000 award from Gina Rinehart after backlash from opponents and the farming industry.
• Pauline Hanson accepted a private plane and a bulldozer from Gina Rinehart, highlighting closer ties between One Nation and wealthy donors.
• Recent political figures like Peter Dutton and Pauline Hanson have shown less restraint in associating with billionaires compared to past politicians.