A Queensland judge has found comments made by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about Clive Palmer and the demise of Queensland Nickel "could well be viewed" as a suggestion the mining magnate had acted fraudulently.

The mining magnate and former MP has filed lawsuits against both the prime minister and Employment Minister Michaelia Cash over allegedly defamatory remarks they made in April 2016.

At a hearing in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday, Justice James Douglas rejected the suggestion Mr Turnbull's comments alleging Mr Palmer's behaviour was "disgraceful" didn't necessarily imply he'd acted dishonestly or deceptively.

AAP