Daily London
Billionaire James Packer held nothing back in a new tirade against former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, claiming the one-time state leader had almost ruined his life.
Packer gave one of his most revealing interviews in recent times, detailing his addiction issues and naming one of the world’s most divisive leaders as the man who saved him.
The notoriously reclusive Packer was on board his mega yacht off Fiji when he opened up to journalist and friend, former Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston.
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.
