Billionaire James Packer has unleashed a vehement critique of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, accusing the ex-leader of nearly devastating his life.
In one of his most candid interviews to date, Packer opened up about his struggles with addiction and credited a controversial global figure as his savior.
Speaking from his luxurious mega yacht anchored off the coast of Fiji, the famously private Packer shared his thoughts with journalist and friend, Joe Aston, a former columnist for the Australian Financial Review.
In the interview, Packer also mentioned a notable acquaintance.
“I’ve met Donald (Trump) on several occasions, and he has always treated me well. He had a fondness for my father,” Packer remarked.
Packer previously leased a residence in Palm Beach, Florida, adjacent to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
“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.
