Where’s Clive? Pup needs a leash

Palmer United Party Leader Clive Palmer has missed 17 days of parliament. Source: News Corp Australia

CLIVE Palmer has missed nearly a third of parliamentary sittings since he became a "full-time politician", with an official headcount revealing his abysmal attendance record.

The colourful businessman-turned-MP, who declared himself a "100 per cent politician" when he first arrived at Parliament House last November, has missed 17 days at work since then.

Mr Palmer rolled up to just nine of 15 sittings last year and has made 32 of 43 days in the first half of this year, according to the latest official figures from the Department of the House of Representatives.

It's the worst attendance behind Trade Minister Andrew Robb, who is required to travel overseas to represent Australia in trade missions, and a South Australian backbencher given special leave due to illness.

Mr Palmer has also not turned up to parliamentary committees he is a member of.

Can someone help Clive find his way back to Parliament House? Source: HeraldSun

The Economics Standing Committee into real estate, the Reserve Bank and banking ­issues has held 10 meetings, but he has been to none.

Last week he went missing in action while campaigning for the Newcastle by-election in NSW and yesterday he was tardy, turning up late to Parliament after spending the morning at his Sunshine Coast resort to campaign for the Queensland election.

The Palmer United Party leader was asked about his apparent dislike for Canberra travel on Monday — despite his access to a private jet.

Mr Palmer said his best work was in leveraging his powerful PUP votes in the Senate rather than working as a backbencher.

"I've been dealing with government ministers and the Prime Minister ... and representatives to work out what will be the actual laws," he said.

"I believe I can do more for this region by having that power and influence than I can in Parliament by having my vote sitting down."

jessica.marszalek@news.com.au

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