imcrookonit
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Clive Palmer plays Santa Claus with $10m Christmas bonus for
BIG HANDOUT: Clive Palmer gave his staff - including Tanya Godfrey - cars and holidays.
QUEENSLAND'S $6 billion man, Clive Palmer, has the touch of a modern-day Father Christmas.
Last night, the state's richest man handed out $10 million in gifts to his 800-strong Townsville nickel refinery staff, including a fleet of 55 Mercedes-Benz cars and an amazing 700 overseas holidays.
It is understood to be one of the biggest Christmas bonuses by an Australian boss to their employees.
Not since the glory days of Christopher Skase and Alan Bond has there been such lavish spending on staff.
Executive assistant Tanya Godfrey, 39, who has worked at the Yabulu refinery for 13 years, was the first to be handed the keys to her Mercedes-Benz B130.
"This is totally unbelievable, said the mother-of-three, who until yesterday drove an old four-wheel-drive. "He is better than Santa Claus. It makes me want to put in 120 per cent."
Mr Palmer threw a lifeline to Queensland Nickel 16 months ago when it was facing closure and losing $10 million a month.
It recently posted a profit of about $100 million on the back of staff innovation and high nickel prices. Those who scored a car were chosen on performance, years of service, and input to a program that generated $16 million in savings.
Last night, Mr Palmer threw a $2 million party for 1500 staff and partners who missed out on a car.
"Too many people in Australian industries do not appreciate the average person working for them," Mr Palmer said.
"We want our workforce to be happy and know they've got a good future and are well respected."
Comments on this story
* Senior of Brisbane Posted at 11:47 PM November 19, 2010
Recognition is the most powerful tool we have to drive a Business, well done Clive, you have given recognition to your staff for a job well done, they will pay you back ten fold. If only more bosses recognised this fact.
* Flossie Posted at 11:26 PM November 19, 2010
No wonder we had to wait four months for ours to be delivered - they had such a huge order to fill for Mr Palmer. Good on him and half their luck. Most employers wouldn't give their staff last year's calendar.
* John O'Sullivan Posted at 11:16 PM November 19, 2010
What an obscene materialistic gesture, especially as there are so many people suffering in the world from alack of basic necessities. Shame on you Clive as your public "generosity" symbolises the very opposite of the Christmas spirit.
* Marko of South Brisbane Posted at 10:59 PM November 19, 2010
We can't have a supertax on the mining industry, because apparently, these mining companies will go broke and collapse. Just ask Auntie Julia.
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