When it comes to storming out of uncomfortable interviews with ABC journalists, Queensland businessman Clive Palmer has form – plenty of it.

In 2014, while an MP and leader of the Palmer United Party, he did it twice: once on 7.30 with Sarah Ferguson, then again on Lateline with Emma Alberici. Both times he walked out over questions regarding allegations his business had misappropriated funds.

Four years later, and just two questions into his interview with 7.30's Leigh Sales on Monday night, he threatened to walk out again — telling Sales "if you want to continue the interview, I suggest you keep quiet."

She'd been pressing him about his claim that an offer had been made to pay the money owed to creditors and former staff of his collapsed Queensland Nickel refinery but it was refused by the administrator.