Palmer in dark about Slipper law suit

CLIVE Palmer - had discussions with Joe Hockey about  Mal Brough's candidacy for Peter Slipper's Queensland seat of Fisher. Source: The Courier-Mail

MINING magnate and coalition donor Clive Palmer has denied any prior knowledge of a politically damaging court case brought against former federal speaker Peter Slipper.

But Mr Palmer does admit that two weeks before the sexual harassment claims were taken to the Federal Court in April, he discussed Mal Brough's candidacy for Mr Slipper's Queensland seat of Fisher with former Howard government minister and shadow treasurer, Joe Hockey.

His comments came after Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said he had not read the judgment of the case, which says Mr Brough helped Slipper staffer James Asbhy with his court action.

Federal Court judge Steven Rares last week found Mr Ashby acted "in combination" with another staffer, Karen Doane, and Mr Brough, to willingly act against Mr Slipper and advance Mr Brough's political interests as well as those of the Queensland Liberal National Party.

Mr Palmer told reporters in Brisbane yesterday he met with Mr Brough and Mr Hockey at his Coolum resort at Easter, two weeks before Mr Ashby lodged his court documents on April 21.

He said Mr Brough had called the meeting to discuss his potential Liberal candidacy for the federal seat of Fisher, which Mr Slipper holds.

"At no time did I encourage anybody to pursue Peter Slipper for anything," he said.

Mr Abbott said he was confident Mr Brough had "acted rightly at all times".

Asked why he hadn't yet read the judgment, the Opposition Leader told reporters in London: "Because I am doing very important things for the people of Australia here in this country right now."

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said Mr Abbott's admission he hadn't read the court judgment was "staggering".

"I think I recall Mr Abbott even saying (Mr Brough's) done absolutely nothing wrong and there is no question here to be answered," Ms Roxon said.

"If you are going to make such sweeping comments, it would be wise to read the decision of the Federal Court judge."

Labor ministers this week began campaigning in the seat of Fisher alongside candidate Bill Gissane.

On Tuesday, during a campaign visit by Labor minister Anthony Albanese, Mr Gissane attacked Mr Brough's involvement in the scandal.

"Everyone we speak to on the street, in the shopping centres, in the schools is saying they are sick and tired of the shenanigans that are going on with Mr Brough and what's been happening and now revealed in the court decision," Mr Gissane said.

But Mr Brough is still rated the best chance of winning the seat, which Mr Slipper holds, with a margin of 4.1 per cent.

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