Monique Ryan (Kooyong, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak in support of this motion for the suspension of standing orders. David McBride might be on trial today, but he's not the only person or entity on trial in this matter. This government is also on trial. This is a matter in which a whistleblower—and he's acknowledged to be a whistleblower—has drawn attention to crimes committed by representatives of this country, yet it is an egregious and cruel paradox that he is the first person to face trial on this matter. The reality is that these are extraordinary circumstances. The Attorney-General is aware of the fact that he has, as he has before, the power to exercise his unique powers to stop this prosecution.

What members of the House might not know is that David McBride 's father was also a whistleblower. He was the person who brought attention worldwide to the adverse effects of thalidomide. This is a family with a long and proud history of bringing unfortunate and sad events to light. He shouldn't be penalised for his actions in this; he should be lauded. We should be celebrating the actions of a brave man who has taken a personal risk to bring to light events of which we all now are sadly aware. So it is with great strength and with great conviction that I support this motion for the suspension of standing orders

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