George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Back. I am certainly aware of the way in which the Australian Labor Party has dealt with the issue—indeed, have dismissed the issue. Of course, as we know, the most infamous recent example of foreign political donations being used to buy political influence is our colleague Senator Sam Dastyari over there, who winks at me across the chamber. No, Senator Dastyari—it is not a joke! It is not a joke, and your conduct is not a joke either.

Senator Dastyari was very briefly benched over there in the nether regions of the Senate by his leader, Mr Shorten, and a matter of months later rehabilitated so that he now sits as part of the Labor Party's Senate leadership team. That makes a mockery of the Labor Party's concern about this issue. It is an absolute mockery.

Senator Dastyari, I like you personally, but what you did to compromise the Australian Labor Party and to compromise yourself was a disgrace! (Time expired)