Palmer ordered to pay $30,000 for trashed home as charity act backfires
Clive Palmer thought he was doing a good deed when he rented out a luxury home for a family after they lost their two-year-old son in a house fire last year.
The controversial politician was shelling out $1000 per week for Belinda Warrick and Jaryd Campbell to stay at the property in Helensvale.
Now, he has been ordered to empty his pockets of almost $30,000, to pay for damages after Ms Warrick, Mr Campbell and their five children trashed the house.
Every wall inside the building was damaged, and faeces – both animal and human – littered the floor.
The bamboo flooring had maggots in the underlay and the kitchen and bathrooms were smashed apart.
Mr Palmer’s act of charity backfired in court, as the tribunal ruled he was responsible because his name was on the lease.
The homeowner, Aylene Rhodes, asked for $41,000 compensation but was awarded just under $30,000.
Speaking briefly outside court on Monday, Ms Rhodes said she was relieved the situation had been dealt with.
“I'm just pleased it's all over,” she told reporters.
Ms Warrick and Mr Campbell received almost $100,000 in donations after they lost their son, Roman, but they won’t have to pay a cent towards the damage.
Their family is now living in Bundamba, in the city of Ipswich.
News break – March 21
