Clive Palmer in more hot water over Hitler Mercedes furore
Clive Palmer has come under fire and could face the full weight of the law after allegedly importing a Mercedes-Benz once owned and used by Adolf Hitler.
The controversial billionaire and politician reportedly purchased the 1939 770 Grosser Offener Tourenwagen (“large open touring car”) from an unnamed Russian billionaire.
Though the identity of the seller and the time-frame of the sale is unclear, the Courier Mail reported that negotiations took place over two years.
However, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has called on Mr Palmer to explain his actions and said he will face hefty consequences if it is found he breached import, customs and sanctions rules by buying and importing the vehicle.
“If an individual contravenes our sanctions regime there will be serious consequences under Australian law. The bottom line is: No one gets a special deal and the rules apply to all,” she said.
Should this not be “Australian Nazi-sympathising oligarch breaks trade sanctions on Russia during global humanitarian crisis” #RussiaUkraine #ClivePalmer https://t.co/K6b5JDaDRn
— jo dodds 🔥🔥🔥 (@JoDodds6) March 2, 2022
News of the purchase came shortly after sanctions were announced against Russian financial institutions, as well as individuals of “strategic and economic significance to Russia”.
If reports of the sale are true, Mr Palmer will also have to ensure the car doesn’t contain any asbestos, which is often found in the brake and clutch components of classic cars.
Failing to do so before he imports the vehicle could see him slapped with a $180,000 fine - which is three times the value of the car - or a $900,000 fine if one of his companies purchased and imported it.
There is no suggestion that the avid car collector supports or sympathises with the Nazi movement, and Ms Andrews has outright condemned any glorification of the movement on behalf of the government.
“The government absolutely condemns any glorification of Nazi history and neo-Nazi extremist activity in Australia,” she said.
“I understand why people may find this purchase by Clive Palmer offensive.”
West Australian MP Patrick Gorman also shared his disapproval, writing to Ms Andrews on Monday to ask that the federal government urgently investigate the alleged purchase.
“Many of my constituents are concerned with this purchase and the message it sends. I believe that it is inappropriate for Mr Palmer to personally own such an item,” he wrote.
“I seek an assurance from you as minister that Mr Palmer has not breached Australia’s customs and sanctions requirements.”
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