Why Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart was campaigning in the NSW Election

Australia's richest person has been spotted on the campaign trail on NSW election day.

Gina Rinehart was pictured in the seat of Lane Cove, on Sydney's north shore, handing out meat pies to Liberal party volunteers.

The electorate is held by Liberal MP Anthony Roberts, an old family friend of Rinehart's.

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While Roberts went into the election with a hefty margin of 14.7 per cent, the seat was considered under threat due to the campaign run by independent teal candidate Victoria Davidson.

Speaking to Sky News on election night, Roberts confirmed Rinehart did make an appearance at the booth, but said she was handing out food to volunteers from all parties and candidates.

"In the rain she was out there delivering to all booth workers," Roberts said.

Rinehart is Australia's richest person, with a net wealth estimated to be somewhere between $33.5 billion and $46 billion – good enough to be well within the world's hundred most wealthy people.

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