Clive Palmer, who made his fortune through securing access to 160 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves in the Pilbara Ranges, plans to rebuild the Titanic and contest the seat held by Wayne Swan, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.
Palmer, who is 58 and has an estimated net worth between $3 to $6 billion, made both announcements on Monday in Brisbane.
Palmer says he plans to run as candidate in Australia’s conservative party, Queensland’s Liberal National Party (LNP).
Palmer is not a fan of the recently passed coal tax.
If chosen to represent the Brisbane seat of Lilley, he will try to unseat Swan who has held the seat since 1998.
“I believe we should be getting bigger and stronger, creating more wealth for our people, so that we have more money to distribute to the things that need to be done in this country,” said Palmer during his announcement.
“[Swan] believes in a redistribution of wealth and making the economy smaller.”
Swan said he looked forward to contesting the seat against Palmer.
“Mr Palmer will use his very considerable resources, and has used his very considerable resources to capture the Liberal Party of Queensland, and he now intends to use them if he’s pre-selected, in contest between myself and Mr Palmer,” said Swan.
“I relish the prospect of that contest. I care deeply about ideas and what sort of country we want to be, what sort of country we want to hand to our children and grandchildren.”
Palmer’s other big announcement was plans to build the Titanic II, a near replica of the ill-fated ship that sunk this month 100 years ago.
The Titanic II would differ from the original in being equipped with modern engine and a modern hull design.
When built the Chinese navy has been invited to accompany the ship when it runs its maiden voyage from England to New York.
Image of Titanic at the docks of Southampton
10 Comments
Nilesh K. Joshi-Goa-India
Quote by Mr. Clive Palmer – “I believe we should be getting bigger and stronger, creating more wealth for our people, so that we have more money to distribute to the things that need to be done in this country,” said Palmer during his announcement.
Comment-
The concept of Wealth creation for the people is a philantropic thinking. People at such high level, thinking about it, is really motivating.
I am a GEOLOGIST working in Iron Ore mining industry in Goa-India & I have seen very few industrialists in India thinking on such lines. I would be exciting to be associated with such a business house. Actions speak more than words.
It would be lovely to see REAL TITANIC sail into waters again. What if TITANIC would sail to Goa!!!!!!! WOW.
gary schwartz
I would LOVE to play the piano on that ship.. Scott Joplin, my own compositions.. I’d even compose one specifically for it!!!
Mike
I’d love to see the Chinese Navy sail into NY harbor along with the Titanic II.
Dav1942
Thes man is not quallifyed to run a ‘day care’ let alone do this to the workers!!!!!!!
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julie wallace
I would love to see Titanic rebuilt it would be fab a dream good luck Mr Palmer
Kwasi Acheampong
It’s very good initiative, long live mr. Clive
Drklnarayan
I wish Mr.Clive Palmer all success in both of his pursuits.
Kel Smith
Mr Palmer, I too would like to see the rebuilding of the titanic, lets not talk about it lets do it….
Jay Purdy
Being from Northern Ireland, I am a huge fan of Titanic! Cant wait to see it! Pity it could not be re-built in Belfast! I hope Mr Palmer will involve Northern Ireland in the process.