Net Worth

Clive Palmer Net Worth in 2025: How the Billionaire Is Shaking Up Australian Politics Again

Clive Palmer, the Australian mining billionaire and political disruptor, is once again making waves ahead of the 2025 federal election. At 71 years old (born March 26, 1954), Palmer has launched a new right-wing populist party, the Trumpet of Patriots, inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump. With an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion, he is one of Australia’s richest individuals and a major political force, known for his aggressive campaign spending and anti-establishment rhetoric.

His latest political venture is a direct challenge to Australia’s mainstream parties, but will it succeed where his past efforts have failed?

Why Did Clive Palmer Launch the Trumpet of Patriots?

Palmer has a long history in Australian politics, previously leading the United Australia Party (UAP). While the UAP secured only one Senate seat in the 2022 election, Palmer spent a staggering A$100 million on campaigning, making it one of the most expensive political runs in Australian history.

However, he failed to register UAP in time for the 2025 election, leaving him scrambling for a new political platform. This led to the creation of the Trumpet of Patriots, a party that echoes Trump’s “drain the swamp” message and focuses on cutting government spending, reducing immigration, and opposing progressive policies.

“We think Donald Trump’s been very effective in reducing public expenditure,” Palmer said at the party’s launch. “That’s what we need here in Australia.”

What Are the Key Policies of the Trumpet of Patriots?

Palmer’s new party is positioning itself as a right-wing populist force with policies that mirror Trump’s political playbook in the U.S. Some of its key policy positions include:

  • Drastic government spending cuts to reduce national debt.
  • Opposition to mass immigration, focusing on stronger border controls.
  • Recognition of only two genders, opposing progressive gender policies.
  • Lower taxes and fewer business regulations to stimulate economic growth.

The party has ambitious plans to contest all 150 seats in Australia’s lower house and run candidates in the Senate, making it a nationwide movement—at least on paper.

How Has Clive Palmer Built His Billion-Dollar Fortune?

Palmer’s estimated $2.1 billion net worth (as of 2025, per Forbes) comes primarily from his mining empire, particularly iron ore, coal, and nickel investments. His major business successes include:

  • Queensland Nickel – A major nickel refinery that fueled his early wealth.
  • Waratah Coal – A significant player in Australia’s coal export industry.
  • Mining Royalties & Real Estate – His diversified business interests keep his fortune growing.

Unlike other billionaires who focus solely on business, Palmer channels much of his wealth into politics, making him one of the most self-funded political figures in Australia.

Can Clive Palmer’s Money Influence the 2025 Election?

One of Palmer’s biggest political weapons is his ability to outspend traditional parties on advertising.

  • In 2019, he spent A$83 million on political ads, despite not winning a single lower house seat.
  • In 2022, he spent over A$100 million, securing one Senate seat but failing to make a major impact.
  • His 2025 campaign is expected to be just as aggressive, with widespread ads across TV, radio, social media, and newspapers.

However, despite his deep pockets, Palmer has struggled to convert spending into actual voter support, raising questions about whether Trumpet of Patriots will be any different.

Why Is Clive Palmer So Controversial?

Palmer has a long history of political and legal controversies, including:

  • Failed political runs despite massive spending.
  • Legal battles over Queensland Nickel, where workers lost pensions due to the refinery’s collapse.
  • Unfulfilled promises, such as his Titanic II project, a planned full-scale replica of the Titanic that has yet to materialize.

Despite these controversies, he remains a major political force because of his ability to dominate media coverage and influence public discourse.

What Is Clive Palmer’s Personal Life Like?

Palmer is known for his extravagant lifestyle and family-oriented values.

  • He was married to Susan Palmer until her passing in 2006.
  • In 2007, he married Anna Palmer, with whom he shares two children.
  • He also has two older children from his first marriage.

Despite his public persona as a political disruptor, Palmer keeps his family life relatively private.

Will Clive Palmer’s New Party Gain Support?

With Australia’s cost of living crisis and growing political discontent, there may be appetite for an anti-establishment party like Trumpet of Patriots.

However, there are several major hurdles:

  1. Voter Skepticism – Many Australians see Palmer as a political opportunist rather than a serious leader.
  2. Failed Track Record – His past political attempts have largely failed, making it difficult to gain credibility.
  3. Crowded Political Landscape – Right-wing voters already have established options, such as One Nation and the Liberal Party.

While Palmer’s money can buy media exposure, it remains uncertain whether it can buy votes.

What’s Next for Clive Palmer in 2025?

As Australia’s 2025 election nears, Palmer will likely:

  • Increase his campaign spending to flood media with Trumpet of Patriots messaging.
  • Hold large-scale rallies to generate momentum, similar to Trump’s campaign strategy.
  • Push for last-minute political deals to gain support from other right-wing factions.

If Trumpet of Patriots fails to make an impact, Palmer may return to business ventures, but history suggests he won’t give up on politics easily.

Final Thoughts: Is Clive Palmer’s Political Influence Fading?

Clive Palmer has long been a disruptor, using his massive wealth to influence Australian politics. However, despite spending hundreds of millions over the years, he has struggled to turn money into electoral success.

With a net worth of $2.1 billion, he has the resources to keep trying, but whether Trumpet of Patriots can truly resonate with voters remains uncertain.

As Australia’s 2025 election approaches, one thing is clear—Palmer will do whatever it takes to stay in the headlines, even if his political ambitions once again fall short.

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Contact us:-[email protected]

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