Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Warringah has indicated to me that she wishes to make a personal explanation.

Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have been misrepresented.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the member wish to make a statement?

Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, Mr Speaker.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You may proceed.

Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

During question time, I raised the topic of sexual harassment and questioned the Prime Minister on the government's support of the sex discrimination amendment bill. In his answer, he said that my efforts go beyond the Law Council of Australia's recent national action plan. This is not correct. While I acknowledge that the amendments go beyond Respect@Workonly in that they deal with all aspects of public life, not just the workplace—they do not go beyond the recommendations of the Law Council of Australia's national action plan to address sexual harassment in the legal profession and they are aligned with the recommendation of the 2008 Senate inquiry to include a general prohibition against sex discrimination and sexual harassment in any area of public life.