2 weeks Ago By Fraser Barton
Clive Palmer has set the scene for his Trumpet of Patriots party launch with placards and 'Make Australia Great Again' hats awaiting candidates and guests at the billionaire's resort. Login or signup to continue reading Mr Palmer's helicopter sits beside the road driving into the Palmer Coolum Resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, with party placards lining the way. Ahead lies staff donning yellow party merchandise caps, scattered around the resort as they await upwards of 600 guests and candidates.
United Australia Party Senator, Ralph Babet, who was elected under Mr Palmer's former party, whizzes past fully suited in a golf buggy. He remains Mr Palmer's lone federal representative. Mr Palmer has spent millions of dollars on federal election campaigns, with the May 3 poll no different as he seeks to gain more than one seat.
Having only one voice in federal parliament has not dampened his enthusiasm as the entire legion of Trumpet of Patriots candidates are expected at the campaign launch on Saturday. Since he vowed at a recent National Press Club address to bombard Australians with advertising, billboards and videos have been appearing thick and fast across the physical and digital landscape. Inside the main marquee at his resort, walls are adorned with Trumpet of Patriots placards.
On seats sit more yellow caps with a four letter slogan: 'Make Australia Great Again.' The event will feature speeches from Mr Palmer, federal leader Suellen Wrightson and candidates from across the country. American political commentator Tucker Carlson will begin the event via a video feed.
The political party has committed to driving down cost of living through high-speed rail, allowing Australians to access superannuation for a housing deposit and capping interest rates at three per cent. Other policies include establishing a department of government efficiency, akin to the one set up in the United States and cutting immigration to "sustainable" levels. Part of the party's immigration policy includes limiting foreign buyers from purchasing Australian homes and prime agricultural land.
Mr Palmer is also calling for the abolition of net zero and Paris Agreement targets. "Australia needs common-sense solutions, not professional politicians who are out of touch with the struggles of everyday Australians," he said. "The Trumpet of Patriots is committed to policies that put people first and restore fairness to the housing market.
" Speaking in Canberra on Thursday, Mr Palmer accused the major parties of staging the most boring election campaign he could recall. He said his party would preference them last in the seats they held. Australian Associated Press Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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