Glenn Lazarus (Queensland, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Senator representing the Senator representing the Prime Minister, the Hon. George Brandis. Yesterday the Prime Minister reportedly stated during a party room meeting that the Senate crossbench is feral. I understand this to mean that every crossbench senator in this chamber in the eyes of the Prime Minister is feral. As Australian senators, we carry out our responsibilities with great pride, honour and diligence. Why would the Prime Minister of Australia call the crossbench feral and, by implication, therefore call every crossbench senator in this great chamber feral? Does the minister believe such language will be helpful to positively negotiate with the Senate in the future?