Clive Palmer suing Mark McGowan for ‘defaming him’

Clive Palmer says Mark McGowan has defamed him, adding a writ against the WA Premier to his legal battles with the state Labor government.

Clive Palmer in Cairns. Picture: Stewart McLean

Iron ore magnate Clive Palmer says Mark McGowan has defamed him, adding a writ against the West Australian Premier to his legal battles with the state Labor government.

Mr Palmer launched his defamation case against Mr McGowan in the NSW registry of the Federal Court on Wednesday, following a sharp escalation in hostilities between Mr Palmer and the WA government.

The McGowan government last week rushed a bill into law to block Mr Palmer from making damages claims against the state over an iron ore project in the Pilbara. WA Attorney-­General John Quigley used parliamentary privilege to produce documents he said proved Mr Palmer sought $27.75bn from WA.

Mr Palmer is fighting in the Queensland Supreme Court for the right to push on with his damages claims.

Responding on Thursday to questions on the defamation ­action against Mr McGowan, a spokesman for Mr Palmer said: “I’m sure we’ll see the WA Premier introduce emergency legislation that doesn’t allow a politician to be sued”.