A Labor backbencher has been accused of throwing a “slur” at opposition early childhood spokeswoman Angie Bell as tensions boiled over within the House.
Ms Bell alleges throughout a debate within the chamber on the economic system that Hawke MP Sam Rae interjected, yelling “at least I have my own children” throughout the chamber.
The remark was not audible on the official parliamentary recording of the incident however was allegedly heard by South Australian MP Tony Pasin. Ms Bell referred it to the Speaker for additional inquiry.
In a private rationalization after query time, Mr Rae apologised for the interjection however denied he made such a remark.
“This is absolutely not correct. I accept interjections are always disorderly and apologise to the member for being disruptive during her speech,” he stated.
“My comments made absolutely no reference to the member herself. The comments that have been attributed by some to me were not made by me and would never be made by me.”
Ms Bell, who made historical past in 2019 as the primary brazenly homosexual girl to be elected to a serious social gathering within the decrease home, rapidly hit again.
“I place on the record it was not an interjection, it was a slur on my family,” she stated.
In the letter to Speaker Milton Dick, Ms Bell stated Ms Rae’s alleged actions weren’t tenable with the Prime Minister’s promise to “lead a more respectful parliament”.
“Members of the government continue to demonstrate that they are unable to treat Coalition women with respect.
“Given the findings of the Kate Jenkins report, I ask that you highlight the behaviour of the member for Hawke and remind members that this type of behaviour is unacceptable in any workplace,” she stated.
As Mr Dick was informing the House he was happy with Mr Rae’s apology, deputy Liberal chief Sussan Ley stormed over to the Labor backbench to confront him.
He sat silently whereas Mr Ley berated him and different Labor MPs bought concerned, furiously pointing their fingers at one another as tensions reached boiling level.
Ms Ley resumed her seat after the Speaker referred to as the House to order.
In a press release, the deputy Liberal chief stated the behaviour was “unacceptable”.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
