Mining billionaire Clive Palmer has confirmed he will return to politics, announcing plans to contest the Queensland federal seat of Fadden in a future election.
The businessman revealed his intention to run for the Gold Coast based electorate, which is currently held by the Liberal Party, marking a significant comeback after previously suggesting he had stepped away from frontline politics.
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Palmer said his decision to re-enter politics was driven by concerns about the direction of the country’s leadership. He described the current political climate as deeply troubling and said he believed the nation required stronger leadership.
Palmer indicated that he plans to campaign under the banner of the United Australia Party, which he is seeking to re-register after earlier dissolving it following previous elections.
The billionaire had previously supported the formation of a separate political movement during the 2025 election campaign, investing tens of millions of dollars into advertising and political messaging. Despite the scale of the campaign, the party failed to secure any seats.
Palmer said his new campaign would focus on offering policy solutions rather than engaging in traditional ideological debates between left and right political factions. He argued that Australian politics needed new ideas rather than continued partisan divisions.
Although he previously suggested he was too old to return to politics, Palmer said he had regained the energy to campaign and remain active in public life. He attributed his renewed stamina to major lifestyle changes, including weight loss and changes to his diet.
The 71 year old also said his wealth meant his political ambitions were not motivated by personal financial gain. Instead, he framed his return as an effort to contribute leadership during what he described as a period of national difficulty.
Palmer opened his announcement by highlighting the situation facing members of Iran’s women’s football team who have sought asylum in Australia after staging a protest during an international tournament.
He pledged to donate $10,000 to each player to help them settle in the country and encouraged other wealthy Australians to make similar contributions.
During the announcement, Palmer also criticised several political figures and parties, arguing that many were failing to present meaningful policy solutions to national challenges.
The decision to contest the seat of Fadden is tied to Palmer’s personal connection to the area. He said he has lived in the electorate for many years and considers it his home community.
The billionaire’s return to politics signals the possibility of another high profile and well funded campaign, similar to those he has mounted in previous elections.
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