Clive Palmer eyes Senate seat in Queensland

Clive Palmer will contest the federal election in the Senate, not the lower house seat of Herbert as he had originally indicated.

9News understands the United Australia Party leader will not run for the most marginal seat in the country, and will instead announce a major sporting identity to take on Labor's Cathy O'Toole and the LNP's Phillip Thompson in the Townsville-based seat.

That candidate is expected to be confirmed tomorrow morning.

Mr Palmer yesterday said he will pay any outstanding entitlements from workers laid off from his Townsville nickel refinery, three years after they lost their jobs.

The businessman maintained none of his companies were responsible for sacking anyone – but he would cover the costs.

He denied the announcement was about politics, but after previous repeat denials that he owes anyone anything, it was largely met with skepticism and suspicion.

The announcement also came amid plans to restart the refinery at a time when the price of nickel is rising.

Queensland Nickel collapsed in 2016 with debts of $300 million, causing the loss of hundreds of jobs.