Clive Palmer has defended taking his family and friends on an expensive Mediterranean cruise just a month after complaining of health problems during a court hearing.
The former federal MP appeared in court in Brisbane in May clutching a vomit bag and using a breathing apparatus and a pillow while giving evidence to liquidators of his Queensland Nickel company.
Photos emerged on Monday showing Mr Palmer and his family boarding the 24-day, $10,000 a head cruise in Spain.
"Like any Australian, I have the right to take my family on a holiday," he said in a statement.
"There are no actions against me for anything in any court. I have not been accused of any crime against anyone.
"If it's a crime to love your wife and children to spend time with them then I am guilty."
Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt on Thursday said it was a bad look for Mr Palmer to be taking an overseas trip weeks after struggling to respond to liquidators' questions in the Federal Court about the collapse of Queensland Nickel.
"I think people should be upset and disappointed that we're seeing an overseas trip being taken when people are trying to get their lives back together," he said.
"I'm not going to be commenting on people's health, but I will say it's been widely reported that Mr Palmer was experiencing medical difficulties and of course now he's going on an overseas trip.
"Let's hope for all concerned that we're able to get the process of getting questions answered back in tow ... and whether there is any chance of recouping some of the monies that are owed to them."
During last month's proceedings, Mr Palmer claimed he was suffering memory loss after ingesting the morphine-based painkiller Targin.
He appeared dishevelled and at times slumped against the bench, mouth agape, before boasting about amassing wealth and collecting assets while claiming he lived a frugal life at the hands of his financially controlling wife.
The braggadocio came after Mr Palmer had an unnamed staff member read out a statement lambasting the high price of legal representation.
Share
