 "Australian Politician Clive Palmer is pictured during a dinner hosted for Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Parliament House in Canberra, July 8, 2014. Source: Reuters")
Ahead of national federal elections, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer announced Wednesday (February 19) he was launching a political party in a move that he says is inspired by US President Donald Trump.
The billionaire said his Trumpet of Patriots party would help “drain the swamp” from the capital Canberra, referring to Trump’s ongoing efforts to rein in federal spending and cut the size of the government.
“We think Donald Trump’s been very effective in reducing public expenditure,” said the mining mogul at a press conference.
Trumpet of Patriots to mirror Trump’s policies
The billionaire has been critical of immigration into Australia and has vowed to recognise only two genders, something propagated by Trump as well.
Palmer now aims to wrest control of Australia’s lower house by fielding candidates on all 150 seats, as well as the upper house, known as Senate.
Who is Clive Palmer?
Palmer is Australia’s 18th richest person and has been active in politics for over a decade.
He previously led the right-wing party named United Australia Party (UAP), and secured a seat in the lower house for three years starting 2013.
In the previous federal elections, Palmer dished out $63.52 million on UAP campaigning.
Reuters reported that he failed to register UAP in time for this year’s election.
When will elections take place in Australia?
Prime Minster Anthony Albanese is expected to announce the dates of the polls, which must be held by May.
However, reports suggest elections could be called as early as March following interest rate cut announced by the country’s central bank on Tuesday.
Anthony Albanese’s approval rating
A recent poll, released Monday, revealed that the approval ratings of the Albanese government has hit lowest point, with the majority of the Australians now seeing him unfit for the PM role.
The survey, conducted by The Australian newspaper, showed 53 per cent of 1,244 voters saying they did not believe the Labor government deserved to be re-elected, with Albanese’s approval rating hitting a record low of minus 21, his worst as prime minister.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOn the other hand, just over 34 per cent said Labor should be re-elected.
(With inputs from agencies)