Palmer must be honest to workers: Xenophon

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has accelerated public works projects in Townsville to boost jobs after Clive Palmer laid off more than 200 workers at his nickel refinery.

It shows that on December 31 a year ago, $288,516 was donated by Queensland Nickel to PUP, with the document signed by the company’s managing director Clive Mensink on January 12.

Mr Palmer said despite the blood-letting, his workers had reasons to be grateful.

Businessman-cum-politician, Clive Palmer initiated a discussion with the state government to get financial support worth $35 million to manage nickel operation at Yabulu, Townsville.

Senator Xenophon said it’s time Mr Palmer revealed exactly what’s really been going on and made a proper effort to look after his workers.

However, voters have criticsed Clive Palmer for prioritising political donations above his own employees.

He said there are a range of services available to affected workers from the Queensland and Australian governments as well as Townsville City Council.

The company failed late past year to secure government support.

The Yabulu nickel plant, north of Townsville. It said that lack of financial support from the government and lowering commodity prices were the main cause behind the decision.

The move comes after Mr Palmer on Friday announced that 237 workers would lose their jobs because of the plunge in nickel prices.

There were documents that exhibited Palmer donating around $9.5 million to PUP from his other businesses besides Queensland Nickel.

In an escalating public relations battle over company’s financial difficulties, senior executives lauded Palmer as a “hero” and said he and his family had “provided $2.5m of personal money so workers could be paid prior to Christmas”.

The State Government has set up a taskforce to help workers with their entitlements.