Clive Palmer (businessman)

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Clive Palmer
Clive Palmer, December 2012, cropped.png
Born (1954-03-26) 26 March 1954 (age 59)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Residence Gold Coast, Queensland
Occupation Director and owner, Mineralogy Pty Ltd
ResourceHouse[1][2]
Waratah Coal
Net worth US$795 million (as of Jan 2012)
Political party National (1974–2008)
Liberal National (2008–2012)
Palmer United Party (2013–)

Clive Frederick Palmer (born 26 March 1954) is an Australian businessman, most widely known as owner of Mineralogy and for his investments in other natural resource companies.[3] As of January 2012, his net worth was estimated by Forbes magazine to be US$795 million.[4]

He owned Gold Coast United FC from 2008 to 2012.[3][5]

Clive Palmer owns Mineralogy (160 billion tonnes of magnetite ore resource), Waratah Coal, Queensland Nickel at Townsville, Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast, Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course at Port Douglas, Palmer Colonial Golf Course at Robina, Palmer Gold Coast Golf Course at Robina. In April 2012, he announced that he had signed a memorandum of understanding with CSC Jinling Shipyard to construct a replica of RMS Titanic, the Titanic II.[6] The ship will be built in China and will set sail in late 2016.[7] Palmer plans on adding over 100 animatronic dinosaurs to his resort in Coolum, creating a simulated Jurassic Park.[8]

Contents

Early life[edit]

Palmer was born in Melbourne, Victoria, on 26 March 1954 where his family lived in Williamstown.[9][10] His family moved to Queensland in 1963[9] and Palmer was largely raised on the Gold Coast, where he attended Aquinas College and Southport State High School, although he also attended Toowoomba Grammar School.[10]

Business Career[edit]

Natural resources[edit]

He is the owner of Mineralogy,[11] a company that secured access[further explanation needed] to 160 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves in the Pilbara Ranges, in remote Western Australia.

In 2008, Palmer bought Waratah Coal.[12]

In 2009, he purchased Queensland Nickel and the Palmer Nickel and Cobalt Refinery.[13] The following year, the company increased production by 30%, prompting him to give $10 million worth of Christmas bonuses to staff including 55 Mercedes-Benz B-Class cars and overseas holidays.[14]

Gold Coast United[edit]

Palmer purchased the Gold Coast United football club in 2008 to improve his profile in China.[15] In October 2009, he made a decision to cap attendances of Gold Coast United home games at Skilled Park stadium to 5,000,[16] in a bid to save money.[16] After widespread backlash and only 2616 fans attending the next home game, the idea was scrapped after the intervention of Football Federation Australia.[16]

On 29 February 2012, Ben Buckley and Frank Lowy announced that his license for Gold Coast United FC was to be revoked for constant breaches of FFA rules and regulations and sought to pay out the remaining contracts of the players for the remaining month of the season.[17] Lowy has stated that he acted in order to protect the integrity of the sport.[18] However, Palmer stipulated that he would contest the decisions through legal action and claimed Lowy was a dictator.[18] Despite a ruling ordering the removal of "Freedom of Speech" logos on their shirts, Palmer has indicated they will remain.[19] On 2 March 2012, Palmer lost his Supreme Court bid against Gold Coast United's expulsion from the A-League.[20]

Charity and other activities[edit]

In June 2002, Palmer was appointed Adjunct Professor of Business at Deakin University's Faculty of Business and Law, a role he held until 2006. During that time, he delivered a series of lectures as part of Deakin's MBA Residential Programs.[21] In 2008 Palmer was appointed Adjunct Professor of Management at Bond University on the Gold Coast.[22]

In December 2012, Palmer was appointed secretary general of the World Leadership Alliance. A democracy promoting council that includes former US president Bill Clinton, Myanmar's opposition leader Aun San Suu Kyi. Palmer was also named president of the alliance's business chapter, the World Economic Council.[23]

In December 2012, on Christmas Day, Palmer hosted a buffet lunch for 650 disadvantaged people, predominately for children and their families.[24]

On 4 March 2012, Palmer was named, amid controversy,[25] as a National Living Treasure by the New South Wales Branch of the National Trust of Australia.[26][27]

Greenpeace-CIA alleged conspiracy claims[edit]

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Speaking on 20 March 2012, Clive Palmer accused Greenpeace of being funded by the CIA to bring down Australia's coal mining sector.[28] His claims were dismissed by Greenpeace senior campaigner John Hepburn as "ludicrous", saying that Greenpeace would not accept money from any government, corporation or secret service.[29] Clive Palmer also said:

You only have to go back and read the Church Report in the 1970s and to read the reports to the US Congress which sets up the Rockefeller Foundation as a conduit of CIA funding, you only have to look at their secret budget which was passed by Congress last year, bigger than our whole national economy, which the CIA's got to ensure that. You only have to read the reports to US Congress when the CIA reported to the president that their role was to ensure the US competitive advantage and economic advantages. That's how you know it's funded by the CIA.[28]

His claims were furthermore rejected by the CIA itself,[30] and sparked calls from Labor and Greens party leaders for the Opposition leader Tony Abbott (closely involved with Clive Palmer) to distance himself from the claims.[29]

In later days LNP leader Campbell Newman distanced himself from Clive Palmer's CIA claims, saying "It's got nothing to do with myself and this campaign, I can tell you that."[31]

Projects[edit]

Titanic II[edit]

In February 2013, at a press conference in New York, Palmer announced plans to build a modern-day replica of the cruise liner RMS Titanic. It is planned that Titanic II will be built in China and will make its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 2016. Palmer hopes to re-create the Titanic as closely as possible with its familiar outside looks and also on the inside. The Titanic II will be 883 feet long and weigh 55,800 gross tons, according to Palmer. Built in China, it will carry 2,435 passengers and 900 crew. The Titanic II will honor the memories of those who died and survived on the Titanic, Palmer said. The Titanic was operated by the White Star Line, and Palmer’s cruise company is called Blue Star Line. Like the original ship, there will be no TVs aboard and probably no Internet service, he says.[22][32]

Jurassic Park[edit]

After the announcement of Titanic plans, Palmer is planning to build a park, full of robot-Dinosaurs, called Jurassic Park. Palmer ordered more than 100 mechanic dinosaurs from China. There was already a T-Rex 3.5 meters tall and 20 meters long. As of the end of the month, is expected to be brought a prehistoric crocodile, one of the biggest ever existed. Also he is expecting a Brachiosaurus 7 meters tall and that weighs 1tn. The robots will be placed in a forest around the exhibit, moving their tails and move their eyes. "At @PalmerCoolum resort we'll have the world's biggest dinosaur exhibit, with 165 animatronic dinosaurs" Palmer tweeted at the end of March. [33]

Politics[edit]

Palmer joined the Queensland division of the National Party of Australia in 1974, having been influenced by the policies of Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Premier of Queensland at the time.[34] From the early 1980s onwards, he was involved in state politics, serving as the National Party' campaign director during the 1983 state election and as media spokesman during its 1986 election campaign, both of which were successful.[35] The following year, Palmer was a supporter of the "Joh for Canberra" campaign, which unsuccessfully attempted to get Bjelke-Petersen elected as Prime Minister of Australia at the 1987 federal election.[36] He was elected to life membership of the party in 1992, which he retained after the state branches of the National Party and Liberal Party merged to form the Liberal National Party of Queensland in 2008.[10]

In late April 2012, Palmer announced that he would contest Liberal National Party preselection for the Division of Lilley at the 2013 federal election, which is currently held by Wayne Swan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer of Australia).[37][38] However, later that year, in July, he announced his intention to seek preselection for a different seat, including possibly the Division of Kennedy, held by Bob Katter of Katter's Australian Party (formerly sitting as a National and an independent).[39][40] Several months after announcing his intent to seek preselection, Palmer resigned his life membership of the Liberal National Party.[41] His membership of the party had been suspended on 9 November, following comments on the actions of state government ministers.[42] He was re-instated to the party on 22 November, but resigned the same day.[43]

On 25 April 2013, Palmer announced a "reformation" of the United Australia Party, which had been dissolved in 1945, to stand candidates in the 2013 federal election, and had applied for registration in Queensland.[44][45] Due to similarities with the already registered Uniting Australia Party, it was eventually registered as the Palmer United Party.

Personal life[edit]

Palmer was married to his first wife, Susan, for 22 years, with the couple having two children (a son and a daughter).[46] Susan died from cancer in 2005, and Palmer re-married in 2007, to Anna (formerly Topalov), who had been widowed the previous year.[47] The couple's first child, a daughter, was born the following year.[48] While watching a Brisbane Roar–Gold Coast United game in October 2009, Palmer was thought to have suffered a heart attack, and was rushed to hospital. However, doctors dismissed it as merely a heart palpitation.[49] Palmer has also suffered from sleep apnoea.[50]

Wealth rankings[edit]

Year BRW
Rich 200		 Forbes
Australia's 40 Richest
Rank Net worth (AUD) Rank Net worth (USD)
2010
2011[51][52] 70005000000000000005 Increase $5.05 billion Increase n/a not listed
2012[53][54] 70008000000000000008 Decrease $3.85 billion Decrease 700129000000000000029 Increase $0.80 billion Increase
Legend
Icon Description
Steady Has not changed from the previous year
Increase Has increased from the previous year
Decrease Has decreased from the previous year

External Links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Australia's Resourcehouse signs $60 bln deal with China". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 February 2010. 
  2. ^ "Clive Palmer's $3bn Resourcehouse raising stalls". The Australian. 28 November 2009. 
  3. ^ a b Craddock, Robert (14 June 2008). "Billionaire Clive Palmer behind Coast soccer team". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 28 September 2009. 
  4. ^ "#29 Clive Palmer". Forbes. 2 January 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012. 
  5. ^ "Qld's richest man invests in Fury". ABC Sports. 6 August 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009. 
  6. ^ "Australian billionaire Clive Palmer to build Titanic II". BBC. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012. 
  7. ^ "Australian billionaire Clive Palmer to build Titanic II". BBC News. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012. 
  8. ^ "Billionaire Clive Palmer orders 117 more dinosaurs for resort". The Australian. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2013. 
  9. ^ a b "Clive Palmer - Extended Interview Transcript - Part One". Australian Story. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2013. 
  10. ^ a b c Mr. CLIVE FREDERICK PALMER – Brisbane Mining Club. Published 2007. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  11. ^ "Final Deal Aug06 - FINAL.pdf". austresources.com.au. 7 August 2006. Retrieved 28 September 2009. 
  12. ^ Andrew Fraser and Andrew Burrell (13 February 2010). "The magnate's Chinese whispers". The Australian (News Limited). Retrieved 10 November 2011. 
  13. ^ "Queensland Nickel: Our History". Queensland Nickel. Retrieved 16 January 2013. 
  14. ^ Michaela McNamara (21 November 2010). "Queensland Nickel Employees Get Mercedes & Vacations for Christmas". Business Review Australia. Retrieved 5 March 2012. 
  15. ^ Marco Monteverde & Paul Malone (7 June 2008). "Billionaire Clive Palmer has big plans for Coast club". The Courier Mail (News Queensland). Retrieved 29 February 2012. 
  16. ^ a b c Gatt, Ray (3 November 2009). "Palmer agrees to scrap the cap". The Australian. Retrieved 5 November 2009. 
  17. ^ "FFA revokes Gold Coast United's licence". goldcoast.com.au (News Limited). 29 February 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012. 
  18. ^ a b Ray Gatt (29 February 2012). "Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer loses A-League licence". The Australian (News Limited). Retrieved 29 February 2012. 
  19. ^ "Palmer poses peace offering to Lowy". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 29 February 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012. 
  20. ^ Amy Remeikis (2 March 2012). "Palmer loses bid to save club". Brisbane Times (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 4 March 2012. 
  21. ^ "Graduation – past ceremonies". Waterfront Campus, Deakin University. 2 April 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2009. 
  22. ^ a b "Professor Clive and Mrs Anna Palmer". Southport Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 28 February 2013. 
  23. ^ "Palmer joins Clinton, Suu Kyi in alliance". Herald Sun (News Limited). 18 December 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2012. 
  24. ^ Kristin Shorten (25 December 2012). "Clive Palmer hosts 600 disadvantaged people at Christmas Day lunch at Palmer Coolum Resort". The Courier Mail (News Queensland). Retrieved 27 December 2012. 
  25. ^ Christine Sams, Cosima Marriner: National living treasure uproar, Sydney Morning Herald, 4 March 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
  26. ^ "Seven added to national living treasure list". Lauren Farrow (Canberra Times). 5 March 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2012. 
  27. ^ "National Living Treasure Palmer takes swipe at Swan". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 4 March 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2012. 
  28. ^ a b "CIA funding activists, Palmer says". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 20 March 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012. 
  29. ^ a b Matt Wordsworth and staff (20 March 2012). "Palmer says green groups funded by CIA". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 22 March 2012. 
  30. ^ Emma Griffiths (21 March 2012). "CIA hits back at Palmer conspiracy claims". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corproation). Retrieved 22 March 2012. 
  31. ^ Annie Guest (21 March 2012). "Palmer's views nothing to do with me: Newman". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 22 March 2012. 
  32. ^ USA TODAY
  33. ^ https://twitter.com/CliveFPalmer/status/317781162955255808
  34. ^ "The Gold Coast in the 60s was a great place to be. Joh Bjelke-Petersen was premier. And he talked about the need to see the state grow. So, as I grew up, I was very impressed by all that." Transcript: "Larger Than Life", Australian Story – Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Published 7 May 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  35. ^ Syvret, Paul (2012). Calamity Clive: Has Queensland's richest man Clive Palmer lost the plot? – The Courier-Mail. Published 3 March 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  36. ^ "Palmer is a life member of the National Party and was the party's media spokesman during the 1986 state election. He was a backer of the Joh for PM campaign." Moore, Tony (2007). The Queensland 2006 rich list – Brisbane Times. Published 20 July 2007. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  37. ^ Fraser, Andrew, and Vasek, Lanai (2012). Clive Palmer seeks LNP preselection to take on Wayne Swan in the next federal election – The Australian. Published 2 May 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  38. ^ Berry, Petrina (2012). Clive Palmer to stand against Wayne Swan – The Sydney Morning Herald. Published 30 April 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  39. ^ Clive Palmer dodges Wayne Swan in Lilley – The Australian. Published 3 July 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  40. ^ Wright, Jessica (2012). Katter warns Palmer he risks the knackery – The Sydney Morning Herald. Published 5 July 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  41. ^ Clive Palmer resigns from LNP – Gold Coast Bulletin. Published 23 November 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  42. ^ Feeney, Katherine (2012). Palmer suspended from LNP – Brisbane Times. Published 9 November 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  43. ^ Clive Palmer quits LNP on eve of showdown – ABC News. Published 23 November 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  44. ^ "Palmer to reform UAP party for election". SBS News. 25 April 2013. 
  45. ^ "Palmer to re-form UAP party for election". Brisbane Times. 25 April 2013. 
  46. ^ Shared tragedy led to romance for Clive Palmer – The Courier-Mail. Published 6 May 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  47. ^ Clive Palmer was 'father' to his now bride – The Sydney Morning Herald. Published 7 May 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  48. ^ Walker, Jamie (2012). Clive Palmer: having it all – The Australian. Published 18 August 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  49. ^ Monteverde, Marco; Caldwell, Anna (11 October 2009). "Queensland's richest man Clive Palmer rushed to hospital". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 5 November 2009. 
  50. ^ Darryl Passmore (4 March 2012). "Sleep apnoea silent killer stalked billionaire tycoon Clive Palmer". The Sunday Mail (News Queensland). Retrieved 5 March 2012. 
  51. ^ "Passport Power". BRW Rich 200 Wealth Index (Australia). 25 May 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2012. 
  52. ^ "Australia's 40 Richest". Forbes Asia. 1 February 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  53. ^ "Rich 200 2012". BRW. Digital Media. Retrieved 28 February 2013. 
  54. ^ "Australia's 40 Richest". Forbes. 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2013. 
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