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

I am not aware of the remarks that Senator Fifield says have been made. I do not know the individual whom he names, so I am not able to help him in that regard. But clearly if those remarks are accurate then clearly it would not be appropriate for anyone to refer to anyone in that way. If there is some suggestion that people caring for people with disabilities had lost their temper, I think we would all acknowledge that the strain that carers have to carry is enormous. Senator, I am sure that you find in your new portfolio responsibility that people caring for people with disabilities have enormous strains placed upon them—financial, emotional and physical. I think all members of parliament recognise that we need to be better at supporting those people who carry such a terrible load. I do not know about the remarks you referred to. They certainly do not sound appropriate but, without the context, without having heard them and without knowing the individual, I do not want to go further. But I think we would all take the view that some of that language is not appropriate and that the term ‘spastic,’ which you used, has been accepted more broadly as being totally inappropriate terminology of an earlier era and one that is not used anymore. I agree that it is not appropriate. As I say, I cannot respond directly to it. I am happy to refer the matter to the minister. But, clearly, we would all want to make sure that people caring for people with disabilities are supported and understood.