Clive Palmer outlines his MAGA party proposals

Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer has urged Australian banks to cap interest rates at 3 per cent and called for the removal of Kevin Rudd as Australia’s ambassador to the United States. His proposals were part of a broader campaign to support the Trumpet for Patriots party in the upcoming federal election.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Mr Palmer revealed that the party, which he recently endorsed, had already attracted over 20,000 members, with thousands more joining daily since his announcement on February 19.

Palmer, known for his deep pockets in politics, compared his substantial financial contributions to his passion for sports. Referring to his $100 million expenditure on a single Senate candidate, he described political spending as his version of a hobby.

“At 70, I could join many Australians and play lawn bowls. I find this more exciting,” he said. “I’m devoted because I also have an investment in Australia. I’ve got four children. I think this is a good place, and it’s worth fighting for.”

Mr Palmer outlined a two-pronged policy approach to promote home ownership: capping interest rates at 3 per cent and allowing buyers to utilise up to 30 per cent of their superannuation for home deposits. He argued that this would increase rental availability and lower costs for tenants.

“That means Australians can live again, that means that our rentals will be available for people at a much lower price,” he said, citing Australia’s 120,000 homeless population as a national disgrace.

Mr Palmer also took aim at Australia’s ambassador to the US, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, calling for his removal. “There are not too many ambassadors in Washington that have insulted the President of the United States. Kevin Rudd ranks alone in that,” Mr Palmer claimed.

He stressed the need for a more effective representative in Washington, particularly during economic and geopolitical challenges. While he did not propose a specific replacement, he praised former ambassadors Kim Beazley and Joe Hockey for their diplomatic abilities.

“I think somebody that can have a rapport. There are many prominent Australians that do that with the Trump administration already, or you get someone that’s neutral,” he said while eating Tim Tams.

Trumpet for Patriots, under Palmer’s guidance, has outlined several key policies, including:

– Mandating Australian superannuation funds to invest solely in domestic businesses.
– Banning transgender athletes from competing in sports.
– Imposing a 15 per cent licence fee on iron ore exports.

The party plans to field candidates in all 150 House of Representatives seats and Senate contests but has not yet decided on preferencing major parties.

Mr Palmer dismissed both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton as ineffective leaders, labelling them “whingers” who fail to present viable solutions.

“They look at what’s wrong. They don’t look at how we solve the problem. They don’t provide solutions and leadership to solve the serious issues facing Australians every day of the week, whether it’s housing, whether it’s cost of living, a whole range of things,” he said.

The party will be led by Suellen Wrightson, who will challenge Labor incumbent Dan Repacholi in the NSW Hunter region. With Palmer’s backing and financial influence, Trumpet for Patriots is set to make a high-profile entrance into the upcoming election campaign.

Image: NineNews