‘Commit suicide, Tony Abbott’
AAP
Mining magnate MP Clive Palmer has apologised after using ‘insensitive’, ‘reprehensible’ language during a verbal assault on the Abbott government’s proposed tertiary education reforms.
During the rant, Mr Palmer attempted to goad the prime minister into pushing ahead with the education bill, which he said would be ‘political suicide’.
• Can Malcolm Turnbull become a new Bob Hawke?
• Pyne won’t compromise on uni reforms
“There’s a million students in this country, there’s a million more about to go, and a million more have just left,” he said. “They’ve all got parents.”
“So … commit suicide Tony Abbott, you know.”
After making the comment, Mr Palmer chuckled.
Today I inadvertently used the term suicide in regard to @TonyAbbottMHR when I meant political suicide. I apologise for any offence caused.
— Clive Palmer (@CliveFPalmer) March 4, 2015
When questioned about the comment, Mr Palmer quickly clarified that he meant it would be “political suicide” to press ahead with the reforms.
“It’s suicide, political suicide, to go against the will of what’s good for the Australian people,” he said.
Mr Palmer appeared flustered during the media event, where he was accompanied by Palmer United senators Glenn Lazarus and Dio Wang.
The remarks overshadowed the original purpose of press conference, which was to announce PUP’s opposition to the government’s proposed university reforms and their impact on the Australian economy.
@CliveFPalmer‘s comments this morning were simply reprehensible. No one should ever encourage suicide. Ever. #auspol. — Paul Mossman (@PaulMossman) March 4, 2015
As someone who battles depression, @CliveFPalmer must resign!! Words can’t describe how angry I am #auspol
— Callum Ramsay (@Bombers83) March 4, 2015
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.