Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson will visit Australia later this year after he accepted an invitation to headline a series of 'freedom conferences' organised by Clive Palmer.

Sunshine Coast

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson is set to visit Australia later this year, following an invitation from Clive Palmer. Carlson has accepted to headline a series of “freedom conferences” across six Australian cities, organized by Palmer. These events aim to discuss issues pertinent to both countries, including common histories, values, and perceived common threats.

The announcement has stirred a mix of anticipation and criticism due to the controversial figures of both Carlson and Palmer. Tucker Carlson, known for his tenure at Fox News, has previously faced criticism for promoting election fraud conspiracies and for a perceived leniency towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. Similarly, Clive Palmer, an Australian businessman and political figure, has been scrutinized for spreading misinformation about vaccines.

During the conferences, Carlson and Palmer plan to explore themes of freedom of choice and difference of opinion. Palmer, in defending the choice of Carlson as a speaker, downplayed concerns about misinformation, emphasizing the importance of varied perspectives. He also pointed out that despite the controversy, the aim is to foster a dialogue about truth and perception.

In addition to the conference appearances, Carlson is expected to have meetings in Canberra with members of parliament. Although Palmer suggested that these meetings would include members from all sides of the house, including government, reports indicate that no governmental officials have confirmed such arrangements. The details of these potential meetings remain vague, highlighting an ambiguity around Carlson's official engagements beyond the conference circuit.

The visit and the conferences are personally funded by Palmer, with ticket prices starting at more than $200. Contrary to some speculation, all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Palmer, not Carlson, which Palmer humorously remarked was because "I need the money."



Tucker Carlson to visit Australia after Clive Palmer invitation

Why is Clive Palmer so happy? The man who seems to relish controversy has just landed a visitor who's made millions trading in it. Hey, it's Tucker Carlson. Why am I dressed this way? Because I'm so excited to come to Australia. Carlson will headline Palmer's so-called Freedom Conference in six Australian cities. There might be some people that disagree with some of the things he says. And we'll be talking about what is happening in your country and ours. Issues with common histories, common values and common threats. Could it be argued that misinformation is a threat here and that you, Mr Palmer, have contributed to that? I don't think so. I think freedom of choice, difference of opinion is what we're really talking about here. A glass can be half full or half empty, depending how you look at it. But something is either true or it's not. Well, not absolutely. Palmer has been criticised for spreading vaccine lies, Carlson for encouraging conspiracies about election fraud and for going soft on Vladimir Putin. I'll be a lot harder on Tucker Carlson than he was on Vladimir Putin. The host, he says, will also visit Canberra. Well, there are a number of meetings set up with government. But who with? Well, let me know on that one. We're closer to the time. But you have got meetings arranged with members of the Labor government? No, members of parliament on all sides of the house, right? Including in government? Yeah, that's right. Not ministers. 10 News First understands no-one in government has agreed to that. Sorry, I'm using a broad brush for talking about the parliament. Do you think Tucker Carlson will be coming to federal parliament for those meetings? I think he'll be in federal parliament sometime, yeah. Conference tickets start at more than $200. We're paying him personally. Will he receive a share of the ticket sales? No. They all go to me. I need the money. Daniel Sutton for 10 News First.

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