Clive Palmer has launched his new political party Trumpet of Patriots and plans to field candidates for all lower house and senate seats at the upcoming federal election.
The billionaire mining magnate, who sat in parliament for one term and previously led the right-wing populist Palmer United Party and United Australia Party (UAP), had to create the new party after failing in his bid to re-register the UAP in time for the election.
The colourful and controversial politician said the party was heavily inspired by US President Donald Trump and his policies, particularly his administration’s focus on reducing public expenditure. According to Reuters, Palmer was critical of mass immigration and said the party would only recognise two genders.
“The party believes in the policies of Donald Trump, which have shown to be effective in bringing management back on track,” he said at a press conference in Canberra.
“Australia should be for all Australians living here. Trumpet of Patriots will put Australians first and make Australia great again.”
The party’s website states Trumpet of Patriots will “drain the swamp” and is focused on “commonsense policies for Australia”.
“For too long, Australians have suffered from a Labor and Liberal duopoly of power supported by the Greens and now the Teals. The simple reason your cost of living is so high is because Australians are being ripped off by the political system, unelected bureaucrats and the lobbyists who support them. Enough is enough!”
