Crunch time for Mensink as warrant readied

CLIVE Mensink’s monthslong game of cat and mouse with Queensland Nickel’s liquidators is expected to come to a head in the Federal Court today.

Mr Mensink, the nephew of former federal MP and businessman Clive Palmer, has been ordered to end his extended overseas holiday and return home for a court grilling over the collapse of his uncle’s nickel business.

If he fails to front the Federal Court in Brisbane today, Justice John Dowsett has indicated he’ll almost certainly issue a warrant for his arrest.

It appears it will come to that after The Australian this weekend reported Mr Mensink had not made a claim on a $5000 expense fund set aside for him to fly home and book Brisbane accommodation.

Mr Mensink was the sole registered director of Queensland Nickel when it collapsed last year, with debts of $300 million and the loss of almost 800 refinery jobs in Townsville. Liquidators who are trying to claw back money for angry creditors have been attempting for months to get Mr Mensink to end his travels, which began midway through last year.

They argue he’s guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with two previous orders to return to Australia.

Just last month, Mr Mensink’s lawyers challenged a third order, requiring his appearance today.

They told Justice Dowsett they couldn’t get in touch with their own client, but Justice Dowsett made it clear his patience was fading.

“Mr Mensink should not think that keeping out of contact with his solicitors is going to be a way of avoiding the issue of a warrant,” Justice Dowsett said.

He said it was “fairly obvious” what he’d have to do.