Mike Freelander (Macarthur, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was distressing to hear of the comments last night by former Prime Minister Abbott on the COVID-19 pandemic. Phrases such as 'virus hysteria', 'health dictatorship' and 'unaccountable experts' are very damaging—spouting the by-lines of the hard right such as QAnon and the reactionary media. This really increases community anxiety and distress and encourages dangerous behaviour. Like many in the coalition, such as the member for Hughes, these comments may grab attention, particularly from some groups elegantly described by a Victorian policeman as 'the batshit crazy'—

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

No, the member for Macarthur will withdraw that. He cannot bring unparliamentary language in by way of a quote.

Mike Freelander (Macarthur, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I apologise and I withdraw. But they are insulting to our wonderful health experts and public servants, who have saved thousands of lives by their actions and their hard work and excellent advice.

Let me be quite clear: Australia has done so well because we have a fantastic public health system and experts and leaders of all political stripes who have acted with great courage. We'll get through this pandemic by all working together, listening to the experts and acting on evidence based advice. People in aged care are not expendable. Sick people are not expendable. Commentary by unconscionable rejects is inappropriate and harmful, and I call on the government to denounce it immediately. (Time expired)