Clive Palmer’s house absence branded a running joke

THE chairwoman of one of parliament’s most powerful committees has criticised Clive Palmer’s failure to attend all eight of its public hearings.

THE chairwoman of one of federal parliament’s most powerful committees has criticised Clive Palmer’s failure to attend all eight of the public hearings the committee has held.

And another member of the house economics committee said Mr Palmer “had added zero value”, despite insisting on being appointed to the committee, and his absence had become a running joke.

Committee chairwoman Kelly O’Dwyer, a Victorian Liberal, said it was rare for MPs to miss such high-profile and important hearings and Mr Palmer should provide an explanation.

“These oversight hearings take place twice a year. It’s very unusual for members not to attend these meetings,’’ she said.

“I note that two supplementary members made it a priority to attend this important meeting so that they could discuss monetary policy with the Reserve Bank governor.

“Obviously for those members who can’t attend, it’s a matter for them to explain how they prioritise their time.”

Another member of the committee, who declined to be named, said: “God knows why he wanted to be on this committee because he doesn’t turn up. If he’s not showing up to the House of Representatives, well, why would he show up to the committee? He’s added zero value.”

The economics committee is seen as a stepping stone for ambitious and talented MPs wanting to enhance their prospects of promotion to the frontbench. The committee has held three oversight hearings of the RBA, featuring Mr Stevens, and one oversight hearing of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Last week’s RBA hearing was in Mr Palmer’s home state of Queensland.

The committee has also held three public hearings associated with the high-profile hearing into foreign investment in Australian real estate, none of which Mr Palmer has attended.

The businessman and MP has also attracted criticism for falling asleep inside the chamber during question time, something he blamed on a spate of early morning interviews and Prime Minister Tony Abbott refusing to answer questions on his budget.

Mr Palmer did not respond to requests for comment.

RICK WALLACE