CLIVE WON’T SHUT ME UP
PALMER THREATENS TO SUE LABOR MP
BILLIONAIRE Clive Palmer has threatened to take legal action against Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole, claiming she had “assassinated” his reputation.
Ms O’Toole said she was not going to be bull- ied into silence by Mr Palmer and was standing up for the people of Townsville.
“I will always stand up for the people of Townsville, no matter what he does,” Ms O’Toole said.
CLIVE Palmer is threatening to sue Townsville federal Labor MP Cathy O’Toole, claiming statements she has made about him have maligned his character.
But Ms O’Toole, the Member for Herbert, says she is not going to be bullied into silence by Mr Palmer.
“It doesn’t matter how much money someone may have, what really counts is the content of one’s character. That’s why Cathy O’Toole’s comments about me are offensive,’’ Mr Palmer said.
“I have spent tens of millions of dollars over the last two years on maintaining the refinery.
“I have a high resolve for the people of Townsville. I’m not going away, I’m here to stay.
“Our solicitors will bring her to account for assassinating my reputation and character.”
Mr Palmer did not reveal the statements from Ms O’Toole he believes are defamatory.
Mr Palmer said his solicitors had written to Ms O’Toole, the Member for Herbert, foreshadowing legal action over her statements.
Ms O’Toole said she was making no apologies.
“I’m not going to be bullied into silence by Clive,” Ms O’Toole said. “I will always stand up for the people of Townsville, no matter what he does.
“I make no apologies for standing up for the people of Townsville, as the elected representative, that is my job.
“As someone who was born, raised, educated and married in Townsville, I will always fight for this community.”
Mr Palmer has announced he will reopen his Yabulu nickel refinery and that he will run as a candidate for his United Australia Party to challenge Ms O’Toole in Herbert at the next federal election due in mid- 2019.
Earlier this month, Mr Palmer ended a defamation lawsuit against Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill after lawyers for the pair reached an agreement.
While details of the settlement were not revealed, it is understood the mayor will pay the mining magnate $ 50,000 as part of an out- of- court deal.