The director of the National Gallery of Australia sent a warning to the federal arts minister that mining billionaire Gina Rinehart was “rallying” influential friends to voice complaints about a portrait of her that she wanted taken down.
Documents revealed the gallery director, Nick Mitzevich, said he wanted to alert the government about the campaign “in case these matters are raised by the Leader of the Opposition (who is close to Mrs Rinehart), so the Minister can be prepared”.