Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

My question is directed to Senator Minchin, the Leader of the Government in the Senate and the Minister representing the Prime Minister. Is the minister aware of the alleged actions of Senator Heffernan in abusing his Senate and coalition colleague Senator Nash at Canberra airport yesterday? Can the minister indicate whether the Prime Minister finds such behaviour to be acceptable? If not, can the minister explain what action has been taken to discipline Senator Heffernan? Given Senator Heffernan’s past record, does the Prime Minister believe that his apology is sufficient or does he agree with The Nationals MP Ms De-Anne Kelly that the actions constitute workplace harassment and should be treated more seriously? Wouldn’t the failure to take more serious action effectively condone Senator Heffernan’s repeated attempts to intimidate fellow coalition senators?