Federal MP Clive Palmer has denied he tried to put his business interests ahead of the 237 workers who lost their jobs at the Queensland Nickel refinery.

In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Mr Palmer revealed that he has put forward $250 million worth of assets from two of his other companies in an attempt to help the struggling refinery.

He has challenged the Queensland and Federal Governments to do the same.

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Last week, the day before Queensland Nickel laid off 237 workers, two of Mr Palmer’s other companies, Waratah Coal and China First, applied to become secured creditors, which would give them priority in the event of liquidation.

Mr Palmer said that, and the “tragic” lay-offs, were part of an attempt to keep the company afloat and save the jobs of about 550 other workers at the plant.

“We’re heroes, not villains,” Mr Palmer said.

He said Waratah Coal and China First have also given $250 million in assets to Queensland Nickel, which has about $60 million owed to creditors.

Christopher Pyne : in Palmer’s sights. AAP

Mr Palmer said the assets included “proven” coal deposits, and said the administrators would reveal the details at next week’s creditor’s meeting.

The meeting, which is scheduled for January 29, will give creditors an initial picture of the company’s position, so they can later vote on whether to liquidate the company or trade out of administration.

The member for Fairfax said while the situation was “very disappointing”, there was a “nine out of 10” chance the facility would remain open.

“We believe in Queensland, we believe in the people of Townsville,” Mr Palmer told the ABC.

Palmer rejects claims of wrongdoing

Mr Palmer rejected claims that he tried to jump the creditors’ queue by applying to have some of his own companies added to the secured creditors list.

He said the move was necessary to provide the assets needed to keep the facility operating, but that the $250 million in assets put forward were not secured.

The Yabulu Nickel Refinery went into voluntary administration on Monday. (Google Earth)

“If there’s a deed of arrangement, certainly the workers should come first, then other creditors, then myself and any other companies I’m associated with can come last, I’m quite happy about that,” he said.

“There’s been no suggestion that we’ve done anything wrong or breached any law, it’s just a question of politics.”

The company went into voluntary administration on Monday.

Mr Palmer said he also provided $2.8 million in cash to ensure workers were paid over Christmas after it became apparent the company was in trouble, but distanced himself from the actions of the refinery because he was no longer a director of Queensland Nickel.

He has attacked the Federal Government, claiming Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Federal Industry Minister Christopher Pyne have refused to lift a finger.

“For God’s sake, Christopher Pyne, the fixer, he couldn’t fix this.”

Queensland Nickel will come out ‘stronger’

Mr Palmer said he was confident Queensland Nickel would be able to trade out of administration.

“I think you’ll see it come out of administration stronger, leaner, fitter, ready to go on,” he said.

“We’re battling on and we’re going to win.”

Mr Palmer said there were good odds the facility would remain open ahead of next week’s creditor’s meeting.

“I think nine out of 10, that’s what I would say… [but] it’s up to the administrators, it’s up to the nickel price.”

It has been revealed Queensland Nickel donated more than $21 million to the Palmer United Party since 2013, including a $288,516 donation in December last year.

There have been reports that administrators were investigating the possibility of recouping those donations, but both Mr Palmer and a corporations law expert said that was not possible.

Professor Ian Ramsey from the University of Melbourne said administrators did not have that power.

He also said workers’ entitlements were protected, to a certain extent, under Australian law.