Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have seen a lot in my time in here, but I have to say that something as shameless and slimy as the deal that has been struck between the government and the Greens just astounds me. And, my goodness me, the performance yesterday of the Greens leader, Senator Di Natale was extraordinary to say the least. First off, Senator Di Natale issued a challenge to Senator Wong and then gagged her for making a contribution. I just could not believe it. I know he is under pressure but, crikey, I would have thought that the pressure would not have mounted until at least Thursday—and hit it yesterday. How embarrassing for the Greens—but, even more, how embarrassing for Senator Di Natale, the Greens leader. The Greens also assisted the coalition in delaying the debate on the ABCC bill. Then the Greens, the bastions of progressive politics, said no to a debate about marriage equality and anti-coal seam gas bill debates. If the Greens had supported Senator Leyonhjelm's motion, the same-sex marriage bill would have been voted on before the Senate rises this week. Thanks to the Greens, this will not happen.