Manhunt likely for missing Clive Mensink

An international manhunt for Clive Mensink is being considered.

Clive Palmer’s nephew Clive Mensink, who is now the subject of an international search. Picture: AAP

An international manhunt for Clive Mensink is being considered, with federal government-appointed special liquidators of Queensland Nickel successfully obtaining a warrant for his arrest that could see him extradited back to Australia.

Yesterday’s arrest warrant — the second issued by the Federal Court in Brisbane in as many days — has created the possibility that Clive Palmer’s globetrotting nephew could be extradited to face a possible contempt charge over his failure to appear in court on Monday.

The warrant was sought by special purpose liquidator PPB Advisory, appointed by Employment Minister Michaelia Cash last year, which has been trying to quiz Mr Mensink in court for several months.

Senator Cash yesterday said the government was committed to getting to the bottom of Queensland Nickel’s collapse.

The Attorney-General’s Department yesterday declined to say what action had been taken in response to the latest arrest warrant, but it is understood the government may consider extradition to ensure Mr Mensink does not avoid his responsibilities, along with cancelling his passport and examining whether he received any assistance in evading arrest.

In the Federal Court yesterday, judge John Dowsett said Mr Mensink needed to be located before any warrant could be used and extradition sought.

Mr Mensink’s lawyer, Sam Iskander, said he had not had contact with his client in more than a month and did not know his whereabouts. Mr Mensink obtained a medical certificate in Boston in January saying he suffered mental illness. Mr Iskander, who also acts for Mr Palmer, told the court he intended to stop representing Mr Mensink.

Judge Dowsett said Mr Palmer would be re-examined in May, after previously suggesting that the former politician should be questioned about any knowledge he has about Mr Mensink’s whereabouts and ways to contact him. Mr Iskander said Mr Palmer was in hospital and would not be able to appear in court until the last week in April.