Clive Palmer, leader of the Trumpet of Patriots party in Australia, has admitted to making a mistake in his recent assertions regarding gender, stating there are only two genders—male and female—in a series of controversial advertisements.

Palmer clarified that he should have referred to sexes rather than genders, while participating in a media blitz ahead of the upcoming federal election.

During a speech at the National Press Club, Palmer addressed various contentious topics, notably focusing on transgender participation in sports and safety concerns for children in schools.

He claimed that such discussions were diverting attention from pressing national issues.

In response to criticism, Anna Brown, the head of Equality Australia, remarked on Palmer's lack of understanding regarding sex and gender, suggesting that his performance at the press conference could be seen as both ill-informed and harmful to individuals affected by these discussions.

Palmer highlighted that his party shares some policy positions with former US President Donald Trump, particularly concerning the recognition of sex categories.

He stated his belief that government policies should recognize two genders and reiterated this position during his address while promoting recent advertisements that echo these sentiments.

When confronted by a reporter about the World Health Organization's (WHO) stance on gender identity—indicating that rigid adherence to binary gender norms negatively affects those with diverse identities—Palmer conceded, stating, "I’ll have to bow and apologise...

There’s either a man or a woman, and that’s what I meant to say." The WHO defines sex as biological attributes primarily related to physical and physiological features, recognizing that variations exist among intersex individuals.

It distinguishes gender as a social construct that interacts with, but is not synonymous with, biological sex.

Palmer's advertisements have drawn widespread scrutiny, prompting criticism from various advocacy groups.

Notably, The Newcastle Herald has publicly apologized for its decision to publish the ads.

In his address, Palmer invoked rhetoric reminiscent of Donald Trump, insinuating that while mainstream parties promote a progressive view of gender, his platform endorses traditional definitions.

He communicated his aim to shift political discourse away from what he perceives as peripheral arguments, insisting that the focus should return to more substantive issues like the economy.

Transgender rights have not garnered significant attention in the current federal political climate, particularly after previous backlashes faced by politicians during public discussions on the subject.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticized for his approach, perceived as avoiding commitments to protect transgender rights in favor of broader political stability.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also engaged with the topic, particularly around transgender athletes, but has largely distanced himself from more contentious issues.

Some Coalition members have expressed support for inquiries into treatments for transgender youth, despite the Australian Labor Party's ongoing medical reviews already addressing the matter.

Brown has articulated that many Australians are resistant to the type of divisive politics exemplified by Palmer's statements, suggesting that the focus should remain on economic concerns rather than social polarizations fueled by significant financial investments in political advertising.

Palmer noted that his political motivations stem from both his financial capability and his desire to impact Australian society, explaining that his substantial expenditure in elections, such as the $100 million investment in 2022, is made with a sense of personal commitment rather than a mere objective to secure political office.

"If I lose it, I lose it...

I find this more exciting," Palmer remarked about his involvement.