Queensland Nickel judge John Bond recuses himself
Supreme Court judge John Bond recuses himself from the legal fight between Clive Palmer and Queensland Nickel’s liquidators
A Supreme Court judge has recused himself from the massive legal fight between Clive Palmer and Queensland Nickel’s liquidators, but rejected arguments from the former MP that he had shown “actual bias”.
In the Supreme Court in Brisbane this morning, Justice John Bond ordered his own recusal from the case on the grounds of apprehended bias, which had been pursued by companies and parties linked to Mr Palmer.
“Because it is likely that there will be very many issues at trial in which the question whether Mr Palmer should be believed will need to be resolved, including in relation to the very matters on which I thought Mr Palmer’s evidence had been implausible, and in order to ensure that justice be seen to be done at the trial, I have decided that I should recuse myself from hearing the trial,” Justice Bond said in his judgment.
“I have done so, not because I have been persuaded by Mr Palmer’s contentions that I am actually biased against him and his companies.
“Those contentions are baseless.”
The battle is likely to go to trial as early as April.
Special purpose liquidator Stephen Parbery, from Ferrier Hodgson, said he respected the decision.
“I am confident that (Justice David) Jackson of the Queensland Supreme Court will provide a just result for all parties, and within a reasonable time frame,” Mr Parbery said.
“Extensive investigations into the affairs of Queensland Nickel have shown that a number of parties, including Mr Palmer, may be liable for damages and other breaches of the Corporations Act.
“As such, the special purpose liquidator remains firmly committed to having the matter resolved in the Supreme Court of Queensland as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Mr Palmer was expected to speak to the media today.