Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Ms Barber's professional skills are unique and have already benefited the people of Tasmania in many different ways, which I will describe in more detail in the future I am sure. However, tonight the important point I need to make is that as a former police officer, a health ethical standards officer, an expert Supreme Court witness in workers comp matters as well as a chief medical board investigator Ms Barber has invaluable practical and legislative skills, which are rare to find in one person who is so easy and trustworthy to work with.

Because of all the injuries accumulated during her long history of distinguished public service Ms Barber now suffers from disabilities, which her GP and psychologist have confirmed in writing to our PM and Minister Ronaldson. Despite being informed of those injuries, our Prime Minister and Senator Ronaldson refuse to allow Ms Barber to work from a non-standard work location. In short, according to her doctors, the best way for Ms Barber to medically manage her disabilities is for her to live in Brisbane close to her family and her professional medical support team and commute to Canberra for Senate sitting weeks. This simple workplace adjustment for a person with a genuine disability is too much for our PM to agree to, especially on this International Day of People with Disability. I just want the nation to know just how cruel and unreasonable the PM is being in his actions.