Share and Follow

Despite spending millions, , and borrowing the word ‘Trump’ for branding, Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots (ToP) party has failed to win a single seat in the federal election.
With 71 per cent of the votes counted, ToP has received nearly 225,000 votes, which is 1.46 per cent of the total. In comparison, parties such as Legalise Cannabis Australia (LCA) have received 1.14 per cent of the votes without campaigning.
It’s expected ToP will not secure any seats in the lower house.
It’s hopes are set on a Senate spot, though that race is also tight. Queensland is its strongest prospect for a Senate spot, with ToP securing about a third of the required quota.

Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) statistics on Sunday morning show that other parties, such as Pauline Hanson’s One Nation or LCA, are more likely to win a seat in the Senate.

A man in a suit speaks at a podium. There is a gold logo of a lion playing a trumpet behind him on a blue facade.

Despite spending millions of dollars on its election campaign, Clive Palmer’s party has not secured a single seat in the lower house. Source: AAP / Danny Casey

The party, run by mining magnate Clive Palmer, had almost 100 candidates for the House of Representatives and was running for all states in the Senate.

Its key policies included establishing a Donald Trump-like Department of Government Efficiency, cutting immigration, removing Welcome to Country addresses and exiting the Paris Climate Agreement.

Millions of dollars on the campaign

Sydney’s Daily Telegraph newspaper reported in an interview with Palmer last week he had spent $60 million on the election campaign.

Other media reports estimate this has included $5.6 million on television advertising and about $4.2 million on YouTube ads.

The numbers reported show ToP has spent more than any other party on YouTube ads, and it’s the second-highest spending party on traditional television advertisements.
The billionaire’s spending on the election is not something new.
In the 2022 federal election, his previous party, the United Australia Party, , according to the AEC’s annual disclosures for 2021-22.

Spam text messages

Another controversial and seemingly failed campaign method used by the ToP was its spam text messages.
The messages were authorised by party candidate Harold Fong and led to backlash and frustration among those who received them.
The messages did not include an option for the receiver to unsubscribe.

For the latest from SBS News, and .
Visit the to access articles, podcasts and videos from SBS News, NITV and our teams covering more than 60 languages.
Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Controversial Neo-Nazi Leader Thomas Sewell Granted Bail Amid Alleged Camp Sovereignty Assault

A chorus of “Nazi scum, off our streets” has been shouted by…
Victoria Police persons of interest Melbourne protest October 2025.

Intensified Hunt for Protesters Accused of Assaulting Police Officers: Latest Updates and Developments

A demonstration in Melbourne’s central district, known as the March for Australia,…
RnB star arrested

R&B Icon Taken into Custody

Hip-hop sensation Akon found himself in legal trouble last week in the…
Chris, owner of Barry's Burgers in Adelaide

Why Savvy Restaurant Owners Jumped Ship from Menulog Long Before Its Unexpected Closure

Exclusive Insight: In the wake of Menulog ceasing operations in Australia, many…
'Nazi scum' chants greet white supremacist Thomas Sewell as he's released

Public Outcry Erupts as White Supremacist Thomas Sewell Released: ‘Nazi Scum’ Chants Echo Across the Streets

As the leader of a white supremacist group emerged from court, protesters…
Why all Aussies should visit this underrated city just a few hours away - and its breathtaking island dotted with world-class wineries: THE DETOUR

Discover Australia’s Hidden Gem: The Must-Visit City and Island Paradise Boasting World-Class Wineries Just Hours Away

Welcome to The Detour: Your ultimate guide to discovering the best in…
Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump

Revealed: Emails Uncover Trump and Epstein Connection

The “Donald” he spoke of was at that time in 2018, as…

ASIO Chief Alerts Australia to Escalating Cyber Threats with Potential $1 Billion Impact Per Attack

Australia’s intelligence chief says the nation is “uncomfortably fragile” to cyber attacks…