Palmer’s political ambition reignited

EMBATTLED businessman Clive Palmer yesterday announced plans to restart his self-titled political party, at a time when the corporate watchdog is continuing to investigate his former business activities.

The Palmer United Party was deregistered last May, and Mr Palmer is facing ongoing court battles in relation to the liquidation of his former company Queensland Nickel, which owed about $300 million and left about 800 people out of work.

Mr Palmer, who could not be contacted, released a statement saying he would stand candidates in all federal parliamentary seats.

“Since I left parliament I have experienced the frustration and helplessness that all Australians experience with the major parties,” he said.

He will need 500 members for the party to be register with the Australian Electoral Commission, which would then vet a sample of the membership.

Acting Premier Jackie Trad gave a stinging rebuke to the news of Mr Palmer’s potential return to politics, saying Queenslanders will not forget his treatment of Townsville nickel refinery workers.

“Can I say that if Clive Palmer wants to run in any election, I think that Queenslanders will walk into the ballot box, see Clive Palmer’s name and remember what he did to hundreds of workers in Townsville,” she said. Ms Trad said the continued avoidance of court by his nephew Clive Mensink would also weigh heavily on Queenslanders’ minds when it came to voting.

The Palmer United Party was swept into federal Parliament in the 2013 election, winning three Senate spots, with Mr Palmer winning the Queensland seat of Fairfax.