One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has erupted at the federal government after iconic Australian holiday destination Hamilton Island was sold to US private equity firm Blackstone for an estimated $1.2 billion.
The American alternative asset management company announced last week it would acquire the island, located in the Whitsundays in Far North Queensland, from current owners the Oatley family “subject to customary regulatory approvals”.
Blackstone’s regional head of real estate Chris Heady said at the time the firm was “honoured to build on the vision and dedication that the Oatley family” and “committed to investing in the long-term success of Hamilton Island, its people, and its local businesses and community”.
But Ms Hanson slammed the sale on social media on Monday, writing: “Why do governments continue to let foreign interests buy up Australian land? Enough is enough!”
Hamilton Island, QLD has reportedly been sold to foreign private equity firm Blackstone for $1.2 billion.
The tropical north Queensland island near the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef spans 1,133 hectares and is home to luxury hotels, 20 restaurants, a commercial airport and… pic.twitter.com/r3oJtbFuGF
— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) December 29, 2025
Many of her supporters agreed and called for a ban on foreign ownership of Australian assets, while others said they were glad it wasn’t being seized under native title or being run by the government, and some questioned why she was running foreign candidates herself.
“We cannot sell our farms, land and other strategic assets to foreign interests. It is suicidal,” wrote one Aussie on X.
“No foreign company or even any non-citizen should ever own a single inch of Australian land,” said another, while a third said: “Guess they don’t believe in climate change and rising sea levels.”
“I dunno Pauline, something makes me think you’re not completely committed to Australia first,” wrote one commenter in reference to former WA candidate Parminder Singh.
Hamilton Island went into receivership in 1992 and was managed by Holiday Inn before being bought by late billionaire winemaker Robert Oatley for $200 million in 2003 after he spotted it from the deck of a yacht.
The Oatley family, Sandy, Ian and Rosalind, said in a joint statement with Blackstone: “We would like to thank our Board and Management for achieving this outcome, and welcome the new owners Blackstone. Hamilton Island has a special place in the hearts of many Australians.
“For more than two decades the family’s passion, led by Bob Oatley, has made significant investments to transform the island into one of Australia’s most loved and visited destinations, renowned for its natural beauty, variety of world-class accommodation, amenities and experiences, and ensuring its place as Australia’s Tropical Island.
“We are delighted to have a partner of Blackstone’s calibre and resources to continue the legacy, while supporting our people and island community.”
Blackstone said Hamilton Island spans 1,133 hectares “across two islands (around 70% of which remains undeveloped) and comprises five hotels, more than 20 restaurants and bars, 20 retail outlets, an 18-hole championship golf course on neighbouring Dent Island, a marina, and a commercial airport”.
The firm, which bought Crown Resorts from James Packer for $8.9 billion in 2022, controls $1.2 trillion in assets, and once owned BlackRock, which is now the world’s largest asset manager.
Header image: Left, Pauline Hanson (Facebook). Right, Hamilton Island (Internet2014 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link)
