Clive Palmer (Fairfax, Palmer United Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek to make a personal explanation.

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the member claim to have been misrepresented?

Clive Palmer (Fairfax, Palmer United Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Clive Palmer (Fairfax, Palmer United Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I have been misrepresented by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister criticised the management of Queensland Nickel, stated that I was in control of the management of Queensland Nickel and responsible for the decision not to pay workers' entitlements. This is not true. I was not in control of the management of the company at the relevant time and the decision not to pay workers' entitlements was not made by me or any director of any company that I own shares in.

Ms Henderson interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Corangamite will cease interjecting.

Clive Palmer (Fairfax, Palmer United Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

The sole decision was made by the administrator of Queensland Nickel, who decided not to pay workers' entitlements. In relation to the management I say that in 2009, when BHP was planning to close the plant, the nickel price was $7.50 a pound. Today it is $3.90. That is the best—

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Fairfax has stated where he has been misrepresented.