Peter Garrett is locked in a war of words with United Australia Party chairman Clive Palmer after the Midnight Oils frontman called the controversial billionaire a ‘fat boy’ and a ‘turkey’.
The famously outspoken singer and former ALP minister, 69, made the remarks during one of the band’s shows at Sunshine Coast Stadium on April 9.
Garrett claimed that Palmer, who has spent millions on his effort to score a senate seat in the upcoming federal election, was unfit to hold public office after a series of scandals has rocked the mining magnate’s reputation over the last few years.
You’ve seen fat boy up close,’ Garrett, who is known for his politically charged on-stage banter, said during the show.
‘You know what a total w**k this is,’ he added, referring to Palmer’s political ambitions.
2020, Palmer went before a Brisbane magistrates court on fraud charges brought by ASIC – the Australian Securities and Exchanges Commission.
During his scathing rant, Garrett referenced allegations that Palmer had refused to pay workers after a refinery he controlled in Townsville went into liquidation in 2016, leaving debts of more than $70 million.
‘People rattle on on talkback about ‘un-Australian’,’ Garrett said during a break between songs.
Well, let me tell you, that big giant heap of nothing is the most un-Australian thing I’ve ever seen.’
Last Friday, Palmer hit back at the legendary rocker during his campaign launch in Coolum, Queensland.
He started by saying that Garrett was an ‘intellectual’ and ‘a nice guy’, even claiming he liked Midnight Oil’s politically progressive music.
But he made a stinging remark about the rocker as he boasted about his own wealth.
