CONTEMPT of court proceedings could be launched against beleaguered resources magnate Clive Palmer if he does not hand over documents to liquidators probing the collapse of Queensland Nickel.

Mr Palmer was due to hand over financial documents relating to his flagship company, Mineralogy, to the Federal Court in Brisbane late yesterday.

But he did not turn up, and the court has been told today that Mr Palmer is in Perth.
 

Barrister John Peden, acting for general purpose liquidators FTI Consulting, said the process would be started for contempt of court proceedings.

However, he said the main objective was to get the documents and if Mr Palmer complies then "then we don't anticipate taking the matter any further".

Justice John Reeves said Mr Palmer was not required to be in Perth for a separate court matter, and had chosen to be there instead of in Queensland.

"In summary I think it is apparent that he has not ... shown reasonable cause for his non-appearance yesterday," Justice Reeves said.

Justice Reeves has ordered Mr Palmer to appear in court next Thursday and provide the documents.

Mr Palmer tweeted while the case was going on in the Federal Court.

He tweeted a picture of himself and the words "Hey memesters you vibin' my style?"

Mr Palmer also tweeted five hours ago "grog dog is a good friend".