Brendan O'Connor (Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

Today the Prime Minister accused me of defending thugs and criminals. This is offensive and untrue. I abhor violence and would never support criminal behaviour. Also today, on multiple occasions, the Prime Minister accused me of attacking the integrity of the Australian Federal Police. As a former Minister of Home Affairs and Justice for three years, I have nothing but the utmost respect for the independence, dedication and professionalism of the Australian Federal Police. My criticism and allegations, which I stand by, were levelled at the government and its agency the Registered Organisations Commission.

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