Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

During a motion to suspend standing orders to bring on for debate a private senators' bill entitled Criminal Code Amendment (Prohibition of Nazi Symbols) Bill 2023, Senator Watt interjected. As he pointed directly towards me, he said words that I will not repeat and that no other person should repeat. They were abhorrent and offensive.

Since I was first elected in 2013, I do not recall in this chamber or the other chamber a more distasteful statement. The precise words uttered by Senator Watt will be seared into my memory for a very long time. Any attempt to distort and recharacterise his interjection only compounds the damage. The only words Senator Watt should be saying are, 'I unconditionally apologise.'

The parliament provides members and senators with enormous privileges, including the right to speak freely under parliamentary privilege. However, with that right comes significant responsibility. Our workplace must be safe in all respects. Words can cause enormous harm. I acknowledge and thank my colleagues, who have provided me with support. I also acknowledge and thank the President for calling me to check on my welfare and to advise that I may wish to contact the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, which I have now done. Thank you.