Support Aust firms in disputes: Palmer Clive Palmer is demanding changes to help small Australian companies in disputes with foreign firms. FEDERAL MP Clive Palmer says the law should be changed to make it easier for small Australian companies to fight disputes with big overseas groups. The leader of the Palmer United Party said local firms shouldn't be at a financial disadvantage in disputes with foreign companies. "I believe we need to change ... to ensure there are enforcement procedures against foreign-owned companies," Mr Palmer told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday. We need to have some sort of tribunal, like we've had for the takeovers panel, where issues can be resolved within six days. Mr Palmer said at present foreign firms could prolong disputes with smaller local firms "for five or six or seven years" because they had greater financial clout. Mr Palmer defended missing question time in federal parliament to make his announcement and not being in the lower house, where debate on the government's carbon tax repeal bills is taking place. The mining mogul believes his presence could constitute a conflict of interest, given his business interests. "The only thing that moves slower than the public service is the parliament of Australia - it's hardly the most exciting place to be," he said. I've got to bow to the majority decision of journalists who think I have a conflict. I don't think I have.