The billionaire has grown increasingly outspoken on conservative issues. Could her bankrolling a stake in Southern Cross be a pathway to greater media influence?

Billionaire Gina Rinehart financed most of Bruce McWilliam’s near-10 per cent stake in Southern Cross Media, a new disclosure shows.

After weeks of speculation about why McWilliam bought into the media company, Australia’s richest person has revealed she lent him the money.