PALMER WANTS STU

CLIVE Palmer has launched an audacious bid to re-enter politics with former One Nation Senator Brian Burston expected to be named his new party’s first sitting member.

The billionaire is also tipped to seek office again himself, potentially challenging Gold Coast LNP MP Stuart Robert in the seat of Fadden.

Mr Palmer (above) revealed his political comeback under the United Australia Party banner yesterday, finally ending months of speculation over why he had erected “Make Australia Great” billboards across the country.

Mr Palmer is vigorously defending both civil and criminal court action for matters including those relating to the collapse of the Queensland Nickel refinery in North Queensland and his Coolum resort.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said North Queenslanders would be “very wary of Clive Palmer’s return to politics” after the collapse of Queensland Nickel.

Mr Palmer has been in talks with Mr Burston since last week when the NSW Senator quit One Nation after a disagreement over his support for the Turnbull Government’s company tax cuts.

There is speculation Mr Palmer is also considering courting sitting members from other parties on both a State and Federal level.

Senator Burston said he was seriously considering Mr Palmer’s offer to join the UAP and would potentially confirm his decision today. “I’m just weighing up my options . ... He’s making Australia great, I love that logo, and so am I.”

Senator Burston said he was not concerned about history repeating itself after Mr Palmer’s last party fell apart following the September 2013 election.

Should Senator Burston join the party it would help fast track its registration on a federal level as Mr Palmer either needs one sitting member of parliament or a party membership of 500 people to register.

It is understood the billionaire is also considering running again himself following his shock win in the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax at the 2013 Federal Election but this time, however, he is tipped to choose a seat closer to his Gold Coast home with Stuart Robert’s current seat of Fadden among the potential options.

Mr Robert holds the seat with a margin of more than 10 per cent.

There is also speculation he could run for the Senate. The next Federal Election is expected any time between August and March, depending on the outcome of the super Saturday of by-elections due next month.