Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

The Liberal Party of Australia is treating the people like fools on a whole range of issues, including corruption. They think that, because we did not go to their private clubs and do not wear the same school ties, we are not qualified—that we are idiots to be exploited, to be stolen from, spoken down to and ignored. I may not have the same qualifications that Senator Cash has, but I have every right to be in this place and I can spot and smell corruption a mile off and the stench which comes from those opposite, as Kenny would say, outlasts religion.

It is a well-known fact that the Liberals have taken millions of dollars from people closely connected with the Chinese communist government in election funding. The sale of iconic Tasmanian Dairy Company VDL to the Chinese company linked to the Chinese government shows a corrupt and negligent government process. When it comes to offshore corruption, the Liberal government have made the FIRB blind. Everyone knows after an ABC Four Corners report that our FIRB has failed to do its job properly and turns a blind eye to corrupt money.

I am calling on Labor to act in a principled manner and preference independents, including the JLN, before the Greens. That way, Labor, you will not only be talking the talk, you will finally be walking the walk.

Question agreed to.