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Billionaire James Packer recently unleashed a scathing critique of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, accusing him of nearly destroying his life. In a rare and candid interview, Packer opened up about his struggles with addiction and credited a globally polarizing figure for aiding in his recovery.
Speaking from his luxurious mega yacht anchored off the coast of Fiji, Packer shared his thoughts with journalist and friend Joe Aston, formerly of the Australian Financial Review. This conversation marked one of Packer’s most revealing discussions in recent times.
During the interview, Packer did not hold back his disdain for Andrews. “I couldn’t speak more lowly of Daniel Andrews. I think he’s human filth,” he stated bluntly to Aston on Rampart Talks, Aston’s latest media project.
And he was candidly blunt when speaking of Andrews.
“I couldn’t speak more lowly of Daniel Andrews. I think he’s human filth,” he told Rampart Talks, Aston’s new venture.
He said Andrews was “about my least favourite person in the world”.
“I think Daniel Andrews not only ruined Victoria, he almost ruined my life,” he said.
In a wide-ranging talk, Packer was equally open about his feelings on other controversial political figures.
And he spoke about his personal issues, including his battle with the bottle.
“The reality is that I had substance abuse issues,” he told Rampart Talks.
“I had a lot of debt obligations, a lot of pressure, and I was drinking way too much.”
The man he credits with pulling him back from the brink is Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The prime minister of Israel was a dear friend to me when I needed help and I will never forget that,” he said.
The Israeli PM might be unpopular among many at home and abroad for the war on Gaza but Packer has a different take.
“He’s obviously an incredibly divisive figure and I will never forget that,” Packer said.
He also revealed another friend in high places.
“I’ve met Donald (Trump) a few times and he’s been nothing but nice to me. He liked my father,” he said.
Packer once rented a house in Palm Beach, Florida, next to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago compound.
“We had dinner. He could not have been nicer,” Packer said.
He’s worth about $5 billion but Packer marks himself down as a businessman.
“I give myself five out of ten, when my dad died I thought I would be an eight or nine,” he said.
Packer turned his back on Australia years ago but he plans to return next month to spend Christmas here with his mother.
“There’s always the risk I’ll run into someone I’ve fallen out with but I’m looking forward to getting back to Sydney,” he said.