Clive Palmer is a no-show on day two of a massive trial over the collapse of Queensland Nickel, which shut down in 2016 with the loss of hundreds of jobs.

July 17, 2019

Clive Palmer has failed to show up for the second day of a massive trial over the collapse of Queensland Nickel, which shut down in 2016 with the loss of hundreds of jobs.

The billionaire businessman is representing himself to defend the federal government lawsuit against him and nephew Clive Mensink, which he’s previously described as baseless and a desperate, politically motivated attack.

Mr Palmer attended the first day of the Brisbane Supreme Court trial on Tuesday, where he unsuccessfully applied to have the case cancelled because his key witness was sick.

Lawyers for the government-appointed liquidators of QN, who are trying to claw back about $200 million owed to creditors, then started their opening address.

However Mr Palmer is nowhere to be seen on Wednesday morning, and has failed to provide any reason for his absence.

Justice Debra Mullins noted the absence for the record, but ordered the trial continue without him.

Lawyer for the liquidators, Shane Doyle, is continuing outlining evidence that will be presented during the 45-day trial.

On Tuesday Mr Doyle said QN was trading insolvently months before administrators were called in to oversee the cash-strapped company.

They ultimately decided the business was too broke to continue and shut it down in April 2016, with the loss of hundreds of jobs, the court heard.

Mr Doyle said before QN slipped into administration Mr Palmer “took steps to ensure security was obtained in favour of his interests”.

Mr Palmer made the financial moves “knowing the company was going to go into administration”, he said.

He also knew “there would be employees who would be made redundant” and “trade creditors wouldn’t get paid”.