Helen Kroger (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I take the advice. But I do find it absolutely disgraceful. During estimates and over the last few months, the Prime Minister has been engaging at the very highest levels of office in a number of countries. And what did we see during that time? In my six years here in the Senate, I have never witnessed any behaviour like it. When the Prime Minister of Australia was visiting and engaging with presidents and prime ministers of different countries, we saw disgraceful criticism of him in order to diminish his credibility and his integrity. Whether it be former Foreign Minister Carr or former Prime Ministers Gillard or Rudd, at no stage did the coalition ever seek to criticise their engagement when they were in those countries. What we have seen during the last few months is extraordinary criticism of Prime Minister Abbott—notwithstanding the terrific way in which he represented our country. We saw absolutely appalling criticism. For instance, when he was meeting with the President of China and leading a very high-powered delegation to increase trade and understanding and agreements between our two countries, those on the opposite side were trying to bring down his effectiveness. It was the first time I have seen that, and I thought it was a disgrace.

If I can come back to question time today: I think it is a sad state of affairs when we have the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate getting up and playing the man. Senator Brandis is a man of superior intellectual capacity. He is a senior counsel from Queensland. He has an extraordinary intellect which we see presented here every day of the week when we are sitting. And yet here they are, trying to diminish the standing of the Attorney-General by coming in here today and saying what they have said. It reflects really poorly on the opposition. It is not inconsistent with what they were like in government, so we should not be surprised, but it is a very poor reflection on them. Those who are listening today and who were listening in question time will be able to determine that for themselves. (Time expired)