Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

We in the coalition believe in open discussion, frank and blunt discussion, and so it should not surprise the Leader of the Opposition in this place that we are willing to enter into such a dialogue. Can I also say to Senator Wong that as colleagues we give each other frank and blunt assessments of each other as well. But in no way does that mean that because we give each other frank and blunt assessments our friendships are in any way undermined or damaged—because we are the mature adults in the room and we can deal with those sorts of issues, unlike the Australian Labor Party.

We have it here from the Leader of the Opposition, today, saying that somehow having a frank and blunt discussion or assessment is something that a government should never get involved in. Of course it should, because unless you have those frank and blunt discussions you will not perform to your very best ability for the people of Australia whom we at least, on this side, are dedicated to serving.

Can I say to the senator opposite that if Ms Bishop made those comments—I am willing to accept that she made those comments—it would be fair and reasonable to say that we in the coalition do engage in frank and blunt assessments with each other, and long may it continue.