CLIVE SWAPS SICK BAG FOR TUCKER BAG
AT COURT Severe pancreatitis, on morphine, memory loss. THAT NIGHT A dozen oystersers and the Patagonian toothfish, thanks waiter.
A JAPANESE eatery lunch on Monday, ill clutching a sick bag in Federal Court on Tuesday, followed by seafood at a top Gold Coast restaurant that night.
Embattled tycoon Clive Palmer returned to court in Brisbane yesterday again carrying a sick bag during the examination of Queensland Nickel’s collapse with $300m in debts and 800 job losses.
Despite claims he suffers pancreatitis and memory loss due to painkillers – supported by testimony from his GP – a judge has declared him fit to give evidence.
The Bulletin can reveal his ailments didn’t stop him heading to top eatery The Fish House in Burleigh on Tuesday night or going to Paradise Point Japanese restaurant Tetsu Aki for lunch on Monday.
At The Fish House with his wife, he ordered a dozen Sydney rock oysters and a Patagonian toothfish for the main, several witnesses said.
One witness said he was a bit quiet and “looked under the weather”.
At Tetsu Aki on Monday, a diner said he seemed “sprightly” and “happy as larry” – but it’s a description Mr Palmer yesterday called “rubbish”.
Mr Palmer told the Bulletin: “I had lunch with my wife and lawyer. What you say is not true – the evidence shows my condition.
“You should get a real job and read the expert evidence. See you in court – I’m sure I (sic) be recovered for that case,” Mr Palmer said.
Seafood is recommended for pancreatitis and Mr Palmer agreed when asked about his Fish House dinner: “True, but I had little. My wife enjoyed it. I just had oysters and a small grilled fish.”
Asked how he managed dinner out when he appeared so ill at court that day, he said: “As stated in court today (Wednesday), my morphine treatment terminated yesterday with resolution of pain related issue.
“Consequently this morning I was much better to be able to be as helpful as I could.”
Last week, Gold Coast GP Reza Zabihi Madah was cross-examined in court, saying Mr Palmer was diagnosed with gall stones, hospitalised in March and his condition “fluctuates”.
Judge Dowsett denied an application at the time by Mr Palmer’s lawyers to adjourn proceedings until his health improved.
I HAD LITTLE. MY WIFE ENJOYED IT. I JUST HAD OYSTERS AND A SMALL GRILLED FISH. CLIVE PALMER