Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too believe, as the Prime Minister believes, that Craig Kelly does a wonderful job for the people of Hughes. And I want to say to Senator McAllister and all those opposite who are seeking to attack Mr Craig Kelly—or anyone else in this country, as we go through this process of encouraging Australians to receive medical advice from their trusted source and to make their own decision to vaccinate on the basis of that expert medical advice—that the way to approach this debate is not to demonise, is not to antagonise, is not to insult; it is to have a respectful discussion and seek to persuade people.

Senator O'Neill interjecting—

That is the way to deal with the issue, Senator O'Neill. I've actually read quite widely some of the literature that has been published over many years with respect to the best way, the most effective way, to deal with those people in our community, including those overseas, who are resistant to vaccinations. The lesson I took from reading that scientific literature in many cases was that the worse thing you can do is exactly what the opposition sought to do here today, and that is to attack and vilify people, as opposed to engaging in a mutually respectful discussion and encouraging people—

Senator O'Neill interjecting—

You're not at ALP preselection for the Senate ticket today, Senator O'Neill, so please don't interject on me. It is not the way--

Senator O'Neill interjecting—