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

Mr Temporary Chairman, this is grossly unfair because I am seeing in my mind something very similar with this bill to a colonoscopy. Why can I not explain? Why am I going to be denied? I have sat here patiently since 2:30 this morning. I have not opened my mouth. I have not said a word. I had a bit of frivolity across the chamber and you are trying to shut down.

Senator Cormann interjecting—

Don't give me orders, you big Belgian—

The CHAIRMAN: Senator Sterle, resume your seat.

You are a bunch of sooks.

The CHAIRMAN: I am a little bit concerned where this might be heading. There was a long discussion before any amendments were moved which allowed for a general discussion about the bill. We have not moved on to amendments and I would ask you to come to the amendment.

Mr Temporary Chairman, I am coming to the amendment but it is all right for this mob over there to sit there and not even answer questions asked by Senators Carr, Collins, Muir and Day. I am sitting here watching them. I cannot believe it. They asked a very simple question about voting 1 above the line and that minister there, Minister Cormann, was that rude he would not even answer it—and they want to have a crack at me. I just wish it was later in the day so that all the Australians could hear the absolute rudeness.

Senator Rhiannon interjecting—

What are you laughing at? You think that is clever, do you?

Senator Rhiannon interjecting—

I will take that interjection. You think that is really clever. I have told you, Senator Rhiannon, you are going to go down in history with what you have done with your grubby little deal that even makes it worse. I want to remind Senator Rhiannon as well. Senator Rhiannon, what did you garner in your first vote when you entered the upper house—two point something? Less than three per cent! Now that you are here, you want to pull the trapdoor up behind you—and you think this is fine! This is as hypocritical as Senator Xenophon's motives here. I think he came in through the upper house with about three per cent as well. So it is very typical of what we see of the political class sitting in this chamber. It is all very well for them to use the system to get in here—and they want to pull the trapdoor up behind them, run across there and do one of the grubbiest deals. As I have said very clearly, I will make sure that every working Australian, when they lose their penalty rates, will know who is responsible. You can throw up as many amendments as you like. But the truth of the matter is that the coalition and the Greens are sticking together like glue—and you are so proud of yourselves! I feel absolutely disgusted. Those who could not wait to take money from unions, those who have happily put their hand out to take—