Federal Member for Fairfax Clive Palmer has taken to Twitter to announce plans to sue Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer says he’s suing Queensland’s health minister for defamation.
The outspoken mining magnate took to Twitter to announce the news on Sunday, just days after several senior Liberal National Party figures – including Premier Campbell Newman and Health Minister Lawrence Springborg – launched their own writs against radio shock jock Alan Jones.
Clive Palmer is the latest politician to threaten legal action during the Queensland election campaign. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Mr Palmer had earlier offered financial support to Mr Jones to fight any legal action against him by Mr Newman.
“I’m suing Lawrence Springborg for defamation for comments he made about me,” Mr Palmer tweeted.
“Disgrace @LNPQLD ministers suing people like Alan Jones”.
Jones is facing defamation action over comments about Queensland’s New Acland coal mine and claims Mr Springborg orchestrated coal mines in his Southern Downs electorate.
The broadcaster also claimed Mr Newman lied to him by pledging that stage three of the Acland project, on the Darling Downs, would not proceed but then approved it anyway.
Others who are claimed to have launched legal action against Mr Jones are Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney, Assistant Minister to the Premier Deb Frecklington and Treasurer Tim Nicholls.
AAP is seeking comment from Mr Springborg and Mr Palmer.
AAP