Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the suspension motion of the Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition asked me a question about a protest in the gallery. I do not believe people should protest in the public galleries of this parliament. I believe this parliament should be a place of reason. Because I believe this parliament should be a place of reason, I each and every day continue to be disappointed by the performance of the coalition in its modern form.

The Leader of the Opposition challenges me on my views about yesterday’s protest outside Parliament House. I have said no words of criticism of the individuals who attended that protest. I have said no words of criticism of the Australians who came to that protest. I have said no words of criticism of the placards they held up, and I do not say those words of criticism now.

See this speech in context