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Peter Dutton’s cheeky sledge about Clive Palmer’s vaccine status

Ellen RansleyNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has dropped his boot into Clive Palmer twice during a cheeky radio interview.

Mr Palmer insists he is not vaccined against Covid-19.

But Mr Dutton said he would not be surprised if the mining magnate and Senate hopeful had a received “a cheeky jab or three”, in part because of his “extra kilos”.

Mr Palmer has been outspoken in his views on vaccinations.

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This week, the billionaire announced he would lead the Queensland Senate ticket for the United Australia Party, which he created.

He made the announcement at Brisbane’s Hyatt Regency – a venue that requires visitors to check in and be fully vaccinated – despite Mr Palmer telling reporters he was not.

But the Defence Minister said he wouldn’t be surprised if Mr Palmer had gotten jabbed in secret because he was a potential “prime candidate” to get sick from Covid.

UAP
Camera IconClive Palmer declared that he is still unvaccinated for COVID-19 while making his Senate announcement in Brisbane on Wednesday, despite the Hyatt Regency Brisbane at which he made the announcement requiring its patrons to be vaccinated. Liam Kidston Credit: News Corp Australia

“I’d be surprised if Clive hadn‘t had a cheeky jab on the side. I’d say he’s even had a triple jab,” Mr Dutton told 4BC radio on Thursday.

“We see Clive on TV. Clive does tick a few boxes and is possibly more vulnerable than some others.

“I’m not one to criticise a few extra kilos post-Christmas, but Clive does have a couple of kilos even on you (host Ray Hadley) and I.

“And so I would be very surprised if Clive’s doctor hadn’t said to him ‘Clive, you are a prime candidate to get very sick from Covid and you should have a vaccine’.

“And Clive might not be giving us the full picture.”

QUESTION TIME
Camera IconPeter Dutton said he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Mr Palmer had gotten a ‘cheeky jab’. NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia

Mr Palmer has been vocal about his vaccination status for months.

“I am pro-choice. My choice is not to have the jab,” Mr Palmer told the Courier Mail in October.

“I will not give into tyranny.”

Mr Palmer has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Peter Dutton’s cheeky sledge about Clive Palmer’s vaccine status

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