Clive Palmer says the Victorian election is a referendum on the Medicare co-payment and the future of education in the state.

The leader of the Palmer United Party (PUP) outlined the party’s policies at its official campaign launch in Melbourne.

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The outspoken Queensland Federal MP spruiked his Victorian connections, saying he was born in the state and lived there until he was 10.

“For most of the time since federation, Victoria was Australia’s premier state and it can be again,” Mr Palmer said.

What ? No Lambie “@PalmerUtdParty: .@CliveFPalmer with @SenatorLazarus and Trevor Dance at Victoria campaign launch pic.twitter.com/rJd7H4itFW”

— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) November 16, 2014

Clive Palmer: “.. in the Australian Senate where Palmer United Party holds the balance of Palmer.. err.. power.” — Karen Barlow (@KJBar) November 16, 2014

The party has at least two candidates in each of the state’s eight divisions and Mr Palmer urged Victorians to deliver them the balance of power in the Upper House.

“This election is a referendum. It’s a referendum on should we have a co-payment and should we support changes to the education structure in this country.

“Only Palmer united has stood as the last sentry at the gate protecting the rights and the freedoms of all Victorians to make sure there will be no payment, there will be no changes to education.

“Neither the Liberals or Labor has offered any hope for Victoria.”

He said the PUP would fight to stop the sell off public assets such as the state’s ports and that the PUP had worked hard for recognition of climate change in Australia.

He also said hospital staff were overworked and “healthcare should be the number one priority for our nation”.

“Liberals want to cut government expenditure and shrink the economy…the Labor party is just a party of promises.

“That’s why Palmer United is standing in Victoria.”