Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I rise today, being a new member of parliament, I reflect and say, 'I may not agree with everyone and what everyone says.' That became apparent today. Jonathan Sri, a Brisbane councillor and Greens politician, is using his ratepayer funded office to host strategy meetings for lawbreaking and rebellion, and has been slammed by veterans as 'despicable' for comparing their disruptive protests to diggers marching on Anzac Day.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I hear a lot of chatter from the other side. I'm happy to name your name in Hansard if you think that Greens activism is the same as veterans marching on Anzac Day.

An opposition member interjecting—

Do you? Yes, sliding down in your chair! It's hard to find some leadership on that side of the House. I can tell you now that it's an absolute shame. I haven't seen anyone on that side condemn these comments. Neither has the member for Melbourne; he hasn't come out. He's backing his Greens activism mates over the diggers. It is absolutely disgusting that this has happened, and what are they protesting against? The resource sector again. They are anti coal, anti resource sector and anti growth. It is absolutely embarrassing that these people sitting across from us support the Greens activism.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It being 2 pm, in accordance with standing order 43, the time for members’ statements has concluded.