Mark McGowan and Clive Palmer to meet after judge asks pair to settle defamation battle outside court

Mark McGowan and Clive Palmer are set to meet face-to-face after a judge ordered the pair to make a genuine attempt to settle their defamation battle outside of court. Federal Court Justice Richard White has referred the legal action to mediation, before a mediator agreed to by the Premier and the Queensland billionaire. Justice White ordered both parties attend in person and that they participate in a “bona fide attempt to achieve settlement of the matters in dispute”. The mediation will take place before September 30, with the mediator to give directions in regard to how it’s conducted. It comes after Mr Palmer’s legal team told the court the mining magnate was willing to participate, but the Premier and his lawyers had resisted the move. Earlier this week, Mr McGowan said mediation with the United Australia Party lead was “pointless”. “The only language he understands is ... you fight him,” he said. The judge’s orders means Mr McGowan no longer has a choice. It’s not known in which city it would be held. His spokesman said: “The Premier will attend the mediation in good faith and attempt to settle as required by the court.” Mr Palmer said he couldn’t understand why Mr McGowan was reluctant to go to mediation and he hoped the Premier would approach it “in a positive manner”. “He should follow Winston Churchill’s words that meeting jaw to jaw is better than war,’’ Mr Palmer said. “It’s disappointing that Mark McGowan declared war against me. It’s difficult to understand. “Notwithstanding the dispute is in Federal Court, the Premier should recognise justice and mercy walk hand in hand.” Mr Palmer is suing Mr McGowan for remarks he claims “brought him into hatred, ridicule and contempt”, including the Premier labelling him “an enemy of the State”. Monday’s court proceedings were adjourned to October 1.