A dishevelled-looking Clive Palmer arrived outside a Brisbane court on Tuesday where one of his spokesmen compared his forced appearance to something that “would only happen in Nazi Germany”.
The former MP attended the federal court to be questioned over the collapse of Queensland Nickel again holding a sick bag.
His aide read a statement outside court criticising the proceedings, saying they were “payback” for Palmer initiating a Senate inquiry into former Queensland premier Campbell Newman and his government.
“Regardless I’m dragged into the court today – this would only happen in Nazi Germany – citizens’ rights, human rights need to be respected,” he said. “Our justice system should be free from political interference but unfortunately it is not.”
Queensland Nickel collapsed in early 2016 with about $300m in debts, resulting in the loss of almost 800 jobs at its Yabulu nickel refinery near Townsville.
In court, Palmer’s barrister, Andrew Boe, on Tuesday said his client was still ill and had continued to ingest the painkiller.
He appeared unwell inside the courtroom, sinking into a chair among reporters and breathing heavily before shuffling towards the witness box.
During questioning from lawyers for special-purpose liquidators for Queensland Nickel, Palmer was prompted on at least a dozen occasions by Boe to claim privilege, protecting himself from self-incrimination.
Asked about the company’s collapse, decisions made regarding shares and his recollection of ongoing supreme court proceedings, the former federal MP appeared to suffer from memory lapses.
At times seated in the witness box, he frequently told the court in hushed tones he could not recall details being asked of him, including whether or not a Gold Coast property had at one point been listed under his name.
The businessman was last week questioned in court over the whereabouts of his nephew and company director Clive Mensink, despite claiming he was too unwell and suffering memory loss after taking the pain drug Targin.
When asked about Palmer’s claims, Campbell Newman told Guardian Australia: “Mr Palmer would be advised to focus on assisting the court in the resolution of the matters surrounding the collapse of his nickel refinery in Townsville and the impact that this has had on employees, families and the Townsville community.
“He should also assist these matters by facilitating the return of Mr Clive Mensink to Australia to give evidence to the court.”
Australian Associated Press contributed to this report
