Clive Palmer

Clive Frederick Palmer (born 26 March 1954) is an Australian billionaire businessman and politician. He has iron ore, nickel, and coal holdings, and owns various mining and resort businesses. Palmer founded the Palmer United Party in 2013, and was the member of parliament (MP) for the Queensland division of Fairfax from 2013 to 2016. Palmer has been involved in frequent legal cases relating to his businesses, and has mentioned litigation as a hobby of his in Who's Who, with journalist Hedley Thomas reporting that "His lawyers take legal steps [...] that prolong litigation and rack up costs for the other side" which can result in his opponents being unable to continue their case due to a lack of finances. Palmer has also attempted to use legal action as a gag order against his workers. As of May 2025, Palmer was the fifth richest Australian, when the Australian Financial Review assessed his net worth at A$20.12 billion on the 2025 Rich List. Businesses that Palmer owns include Mineralogy, Waratah Coal, Queensland Nickel, Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast, Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course in Port Douglas, Palmer Colonial Golf Course in Robina, and the Palmer Gold Coast Golf Course, also at Robina. He owned Gold Coast United FC from 2008 to 2012.