'I'm monitored': Clive Palmer reveals fear of ASIO phone tapping

Rose Powell

Clive Palmer has revealed an intense fear of phone tapping and government surveillance on the ABC's Kitchen Cabinet television program.

The unconventional new MP revealed having security concerns during an interview with Annabel Crabb on her program on Tuesday night.

"I'm monitored, my phones are tapped every day," Mr Palmer said.

"We know that if we go back to inquiries in ASIO in the late '80s in the Senate that ASIO constantly monitors the top hundred wealthiest Australians. It was said in testimony in the Senate."

His desire to evade surveillance caused him to refuse government issued computers upon obtaining his senate seat. He instead directed his staff to buy their own devices as they set up in office.

Mr Palmer also revealed his hiring preferences: loyalty and personal friends over experienced political operatives every time.

"If you look at what happened to new parties or other parties in Australia, the major parties try to infiltrate them, take them to court, wind them up, do anything," he said.

"They can't do that if you've got people that have known you for 30, 40 years. That's a very important aspect, I think."

The colourful politician and ruthless businessman also discussed his childhood, and how he feels when depicted as balloon-like in cartoons.

"We all know that physical appearance in the final analysis is not the most important thing in life," Mr Palmer said.

"I know a lot of people who are fat that have got great integrity and are people we can all love and have compassion for. And I wasn't always fat."

Mr Palmer made it through the entire program despite developing a reputation of storming out of television interviews with ABC journalists such as Emma Alberici on Lateline and Sarah Ferguson on 7.30.

He had previously declined to take part in Kitchen Cabinet, but said he changed his mind after an episode with former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke who said he would like to fry Mr Palmer. Mr Palmer returned the sentiment, but added he would need fewer burners on his stovetop to toast Mr Hawke, who he described as narrow. 

The episode is Mr Palmer's second major media event this week, after a volatile address at the National Press Club on Monday during which he lambasted a News Corp journalist.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/im-monitored-clive-palmer-reveals-fear-of-asio-phone-tapping-20141202-11yss7.html