Mike Freelander (Macarthur, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It was distressing to hear of the comments last night by former Prime Minister Abbott on the COVID-19 pandemic. Phrases such as 'virus hysteria', 'health dictatorship' and 'unaccountable experts' are very damaging—spouting the by-lines of the hard right such as QAnon and the reactionary media. This really increases community anxiety and distress and encourages dangerous behaviour. Like many in the coalition, such as the member for Hughes, these comments may grab attention, particularly from some groups elegantly described by a Victorian policeman as 'the batshit crazy'—

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