Libs’ Teena McQueen signs on to Gina Rinehart’s payroll

Liberal Party federal vice-president and prominent Sky News contributor Teena McQueen has taken on a new role with Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting.

Liberal Party federal vice-president and prominent Sky News contributor Teena McQueen. Picture: Kym Smith

Liberal Party federal vice-­president and Sky News contributor Teena McQueen has taken on a new role with Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting.

Ms McQueen’s forthright views have helped her carve out a profile on Sky News but have proved at times divisive within her party. While she was reportedly the subject of a “gag order” from the party after becoming its vice-president, she has continued to maintain her television profile throughout her tenure.

She is also considered a significant player in the factional pre­selection battles playing out within the NSW Liberal Party.

In a statement, Mrs Rinehart said she regarded Ms McQueen “very highly” and confirmed she would join Hancock’s executive team as group principal policy adviser. “As our company group continues to expand, we need a senior executive to represent us in the east, and are delighted Teena has accepted to join our small, hardworking executive team,” she said.

“Teena is a proven senior executive and a strong strategic thinker coming to Hancock with decades of experience across business, public policy and advocacy and will lead our efforts across these areas.”

Ms McQueen said she was “thrilled” with the opportunity. “I share Mrs Rinehart’s passion for Australia and regard her as an outstanding role model,” she said.

A long-time friend of Mrs Rinehart, Ms McQueen is the ­latest Coalition figure to wind up in the employment of Australia’s richest person.

Former federal Liberal MP ­Sophie Mirabella became general manager of government and media relations at Hancock soon after her unsuccessful ­attempt to win back her former Victorian seat of Indi.

Former Northern Territory chief minister Adam Giles joined Hancock in 2017 as general manager of external affairs for the company’s pastoral assets.

West Australian Liberal politician Dean Nalder also joined Hancock last year after retiring from politics at the March state election.

The then opposition Treasury spokesman announced his decision in late 2020, soon after he failed to secure enough numbers to become leader of the state ­Liberal Party.

In 2017, now Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce handed back a $40,000 cheque presented to him by Mrs Rinehart as a prize.

At the time, she ­labelled him a “champion of farming”.

Hancock Prospecting was approached for comment.