John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy President. The former Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Hill, when I complained to him that we could not negotiate on these matters because of Mr Williams’s incompetence or lack of interest or lack of knowledge said, ‘Oh, just deal with Daryl’s harem.’ That is what he called Mr Williams’s office: Daryl’s harem. I was not going to deal with Daryl’s harem. I wanted to deal with Mr Daryl Williams QC, MP. I wanted to talk to the horse’s head in relation to these matters. I have to say that he was completely under the thumb of these junior staff in his office and it was extremely difficult to conduct any sensible negotiations at all with Mr Williams.

Mr Williams should be absolutely ashamed of himself for that draconian and sloppy, poorly drafted legislation that he was responsible for introducing into this parliament. Senator Ray said earlier in this second reading debate that it was the worst-drafted piece of legislation ever introduced into this parliament in the 105-year history of the Commonwealth of Australia. And Senator Ray was absolutely right. What a legacy for Mr Daryl Williams QC, MP—and how appropriate that he snuck out of the parliament with his tail between his legs. He should never, ever be forgotten for that appalling performance as Attorney-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.