Billionaire's Blistering Attack on Former Premier
Australian media tycoon James Packer has unleashed a furious tirade against former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, describing him as 'human filth' during a revealing interview conducted aboard his $200 million super yacht. The billionaire claimed Andrews' last-minute tax decision nearly derailed the massive $8.9 billion sale of Crown Resorts to Blackstone in 2022.
The Tax Dispute That Sparked the Feud
Speaking with Rampart host Joe Aston, Packer didn't hold back his contempt for the former premier. 'Daniel Andrews is about my least favourite person in the world,' Packer stated. 'I think Daniel Andrews not only ruined Victoria, he almost ruined my life.'
The core of Packer's anger stems from a tax rate change Andrews implemented with just three weeks remaining in the Blackstone acquisition process. 'With three weeks to go on the sale to Blackstone, Daniel Andrews changes the tax rates on Crown and rips $50 million out of Crown and gives no compensation,' Packer revealed.
Packer, who was the majority owner of Crown Resorts until the Blackstone sale, expressed amazement that the private equity firm didn't invoke the material adverse change clause, which could have collapsed the entire deal. The casino operator runs establishments in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Broader Context and Political Fallout
The interview also touched on Andrews' role in the Victorian Royal Commission in 2021, which uncovered that Crown had engaged in illegal and exploitative conduct. Packer described Andrews' actions as 'appalling' and stated he looked forward to confronting him 'far more aggressively' in person.
Packer's criticism extended beyond personal grievances, claiming 'What he's done to the balance sheet of Victoria is impossible to fix.' He even dared Andrews to take legal action, stating 'I hope he sues me.'
The billionaire's comments come after Andrews faced criticism from within his own Labor party for posing alongside Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping during a China visit in September.
Contrasting Views on World Leaders
While Packer reserved his harshest words for Andrews, he offered glowing praise for former US President Donald Trump. Recalling their first meeting during Trump's initial term, Packer said the president 'couldn't have been nicer.'
Packer recounted how he rented a property in Palm Beach that happened to be owned by Donald and Eric Trump, sharing a fence with Mar-a-Lago. 'The President was nice enough he invited me for dinner,' Packer remembered.
Personal Struggles and Sobriety Journey
The wide-ranging interview also covered Packer's personal battles, including his two-year sobriety and a 2016 incident when Kerry Stokes, outgoing Seven West Media chairman, found him in Aspen in a 'very bad way.'
Packer admitted 'I was drinking way too much' during a period of business pressure and significant debt obligations. Stokes temporarily took control of Consolidated Press Holdings to prevent financial collapse and even stopped Packer's planned wedding to US pop star Mariah Carey.
Packer acknowledged assistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his difficult period, calling him 'the most impressive man I've ever met' and expressing eternal gratitude for the help when he needed it most.
Current Status and Australian Relations
Now a non-resident for tax purposes, Packer revealed he's spent only about six weeks in Australia over the past decade. He described his relationship with the Australian Tax Office as 'bittersweet' but plans to return to Sydney for Christmas to visit his mother and sisters.
'My mom's not getting younger,' Packer explained. 'I'm her only son, I want to come back and see her and my sisters in Australia.' However, he expressed concern that spending more than a couple of weeks in Australia might trigger difficulties with tax authorities.
The interview paints a picture of a billionaire still grappling with the aftermath of political decisions that he claims nearly destroyed his life and business ambitions.
