George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Collins, can I tell you I do not think public servants are fair game to be mocked in question time. You can have a go at ministers—they are fair game—but I do not think it is appropriate to be mocking officers of the Australian Public Service, who do a very good job. Like fallible human beings, they sometimes make mistakes but, frankly, Senator Collins, you should take a good look at yourself when you decide to mock Public Servants and members of the Attorney-General's Department or of any other department.