Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Deputy President. As I was saying, there are those who are quick to rush to judgment of a matter and circumstances in the current environment, who are equally quick, and unwisely so might I add, in their defence of Craig Thomson. Mr Craig Thomson was a valuable and trusted member of the Gillard government, as was repeated on occasion after occasion. He was also trusted by the membership of the Health Services Union, although he spent their money on prostitutes and on a range of dodgy expenses, for which he has found himself in the courts. We knew on this side how guilty Mr Thomson was but we chose to let justice play out, rather than rush to judgment ourselves.

The difference here is that those on the other side are making accusations while the police are conducting their inquiries. I find this extraordinary. The parliament deserves better than the kangaroo court being levelled by the Labor Party. We have to encourage all members in this place to participate as fully as possible in any police investigation so that they can clear up any abnormalities or misconceptions. While that is taking place, we should be spared from the childish accusations from those on the other side who have suddenly discovered 60 Minutes a year after the program went to air. Not one of them has the character to condemn one of their own. Not one of them has the character to stand up and say what is right and what is wrong. The only thing they are capable of doing is pursuing petty, partisan, political point scoring—the four Ps, for those on the over side. That is because they have nothing else going for them. They do not have a base, a principle on which to stand. The only thing they have is their partisan politics and that is something we need less of in this place. (Time expired)