Sideshow Clive plays to the disillusioned Ready to spruik: Clive Palmer does his 'twerk' dance moves for Kyle and Jackie O during a radio interview in Sydney. Photo: Kate Geraghty He's the cashed-up mining magnate whose big-spending election promises make the major parties blush. Just don't ask Clive Palmer to outline savings to pay for pledges like $80 billion for health, $20 billion for education and $2500 per-person income tax cuts. The idea of independent scrutiny of his costings sends the Palmer United Party founder into a rage. You think I have to go to a public servant who's on about $40,000 a year, and I'm the wealthiest man in Queensland, and ask him how I should bloody add up? I don't think so," the self-described candidate for prime minister says. Palmer insists that cutting is the wrong approach. Instead, he suggests scrapping the Fringe Benefits Tax, delaying company tax bills, and making the first $10,000 of all home loans tax deductible. These expensive moves would stimulate the economy and later boost revenue, he reasons. What Palmer lacks in savings he makes up for in self-belief. Criss-crossing the nation on his private jet, he is believed to have earmarked an advertising budget of more than $10 million as the new Palmer United Party tries to win seats at the September 7 election. Despite a national ReachTEL poll of 3568 residents last week putting PUP's support at just 2.4 per cent, Palmer scoffs at critics who write off the party before voters even cast their ballots. Maranoa candidate John Bjelke-Petersen, son of long-time Queensland Nationals premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, introduces Palmer at a slick launch event as the "next prime minister of Australia." Palmer says it's not all about him, but the hundreds of people attending the launch at his Sunshine Coast resort are treated to a series of videos including an entire 60 Minutes story on the mining magnate's hobbies - rebuilding the Titanic and installing replica dinosaurs at the loss-making Palmer Coolum Resort. Palmer emerges to the tune of "Eye of the Tiger," stands in front of a bright yellow backdrop proclaiming "UNITE THE COUNTRY!" and extols the need to reclaim the Anzac spirit. Like Palmer, John Bjelke-Petersen was a member of the Nationals but became disillusioned with the merged Liberal National Party in Queensland, partly due to cuts that followed the election of the Newman government last year. Bjelke-Petersen met Palmer in the 1980s. Palmer was party spokesman during Sir Joh's reign and then provided support during the former premier's perjury trial. "So we sort of had contact over the years and it's grown from there," Bjelke-Petersen says. Supreme confidence in the party's ability seems to be infectious. Bjelke-Petersen rates PUP as a "very good chance of taking government" as many western Queenslanders don't believe they are being heard by the major parties. Former rugby league star Matt Adamson, a Senate candidate for the PUP in NSW, detects similar resentment in the regions. Palmer is not the only Queensland maverick seeking to tap into disillusionment. Long-time member for Kennedy Bob Katter - himself a former minister in Sir Joh's government - continues the theme at a mostly friendly National Press Club debate with Palmer. "Every election now, over 20 per cent of the electorate simply will not vote for the major parties," Katter says. Despite the high-profile campaign, Queensland University of Technology professor of political science Clive Bean says it's particularly hard for minor parties to gain traction in an election when a change of government is likely because the focus is largely on the hard-fought main battle. He says a Senate seat is not inconceivable but Katter's Australian Party may have more of a chance following a reasonably strong performance in last year's Queensland election. Palmer is running for the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax, which has been held by the Nationals or Liberals since it was created in 1984. Long-time MP Alex Somlyay clinched 57 per cent support after preferences last time but is retiring. Palmer's opponent is former lobbyist turned LNP candidate Ted O'Brien, who says he can't command the same media attention as Palmer but is getting his message out more effectively because he is "completely immersed in the local community." O'Brien uses an appearance at an Australian Christian Lobby forum to highlight youth unemployment as a major local issue. Palmer tells the audience governments must set their sights high: the region needs a new airport and rail and road upgrades. The LNP gave you Peter Slipper and Mal Brough. I'm sure we can do better," Palmer quips. O'Brien challenges Palmer to explain how much it will cost for all the upgrades he's backing and how he'll fund it. "I could always write a cheque, Ted, if we need to," Palmer shoots back. Afterwards Palmer is approached by Buderim resident Stuart who introduces son Matthew, 18. They pose for photos - but later admit they are unlikely to vote for Palmer. Another audience member underlines the perception that Palmer tells people what they want to hear. On the late-night flight to Sydney, Palmer recounts his favourite moments of the forum and lets out belly laughs with such ferocity that they wake sleeping journalists. He impersonates Tony Abbott, with a hesitant, stuttering voice declaring: "We will balance the budget in 10 years." The mocking of Kevin Rudd's high-speed rail plan begins with a theatrical flick of the hair. In 2053 we'll have a fast train. The next day he happily performs a Miley Cyrus-inspired hip-wobbling "twerk" dance during an interview with Kyle and Jackie O. So is his campaign all a joke? Palmer implies he needs to do wacky things to get attention; then he can spruik his plans. "I think you need to have the power to convene the media," he says. Palmer - who has recruited some of his own employees to run for PUP - doesn't intend to give up his business roles if elected. Before I cark it, why shouldn't I tell people the truth? I'm not afraid of losing. I've got nothing to lose.