Fresh bid ‘ a slap in face’ for QNI staff
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 Queensland LNP MP Stuart Robert.
Mr Palmer revealed his political comeback under the United Australia Party banner yesterday morning, finally ending months of speculation over why he had erected “Make Australia Great” billboards across the country.
Queensland AttorneyGeneral Yvette D’Ath described Mr Palmer’s bid to re- enter politics as “absolutely extraordinary”.
It comes as Mr Palmer is vigorously defending civil and criminal court action for matters including those relating to the collapse of the Queensland Nickel refinery near Townsville and his Coolum resort.
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 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 said.
“I like his support of the company and personal income tax cuts. I think it is something that Australia needs right now.”
Mr Palmer is expected to hold a press conference with Senator Burston at Parliament House in Canberra today should he confirm his decision to come aboard.
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.
Former QNI worker Aaron Raffin is still owed $ 20,000 and said Mr Palmer’s announcement that he would “restore prosperity to all our citizens” was a “slap in the face” for people who lost their jobs.
“I think he’s burnt too many bridges myself and he’s really hurt the Townsville community,” he said. “It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I don’t think he’s going to be very successful in what he’s about to do.”
Mr Palmer has said it was the administrators’ decision to sack staff at the refinery.