Steve Hutchins (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, the old Apia Club. It is not a bad venue for a reception. At a reception there last Friday night there was a guest speaker for a gathering of some of the most right-wing, extremist members of the New South Wales Liberal Party—people associated with David Clarke. I do not know whether Senator Heffernan was there or not. I asked whether Senator Fierravanti-Wells attended, but she did not. I am not sure if any other federal MPs were there.

Senator Cory Bernardi was the guest speaker for this 200-plus gathering of New South Wales Liberal Party extremists. I am not sure whether there was any sort of warm-up speech before Senator Bernardi made his contribution, but I understand that the occasion was to support the preselection of the extreme right wing candidate or one of the candidates in the forthcoming Bradfield electorate by-election. When Senator Bernardi commenced his address, to the delight of the crowd, I understand, he said—and I have this from a person who I understand was at the dinner—