Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that the Australian Greens website claims that the President of the United States of America "was elected on a platform of racism, division and fear" and that "his time in office so far could easily be confused for that of a fascist dictator";

(b) discourages honourable senators from making emotive statements of this nature about Australia's allies as they do not assist bilateral relations; and

(c) expresses its respect for the free, fair and democratic presidential election decision of the American people made on 8 November 2016.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend the motion as circulated in the chamber.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is leave granted? It has not been circulated?

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is straightforward. I could read it out, if you like.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If it is straightforward, feel free to read it out.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you. I amend the motion by omitting in subparagraph (a) the words 'fascist dictator' and substituting the words 'belligerent, narcissistic, petulant, misogynistic, racist, ill-informed fool who poses a significant threat to global peace and security'.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is leave granted to move the amendment?

Leave not granted.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a brief statement.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would ask that Senator Di Natale refer to his Greens colleagues by their appropriate titles rather than such pejorative slurs in the future.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, really, we are talking about a man who poses a major threat to the security of not just our nation but, indeed, the world—the planet. This is a man who is goading the North Koreans into a nuclear conflict. This is a man who just recently was congratulating Mr Duterte, the leader of the Philippines, a man who has been involved with extrajudicial killings. Approximately 12,000 people are now dead in the drug wars in the Philippines. People have been killed without trial. We are seeing police involved. In fact, Mr Duterte himself was bragging about stabbing a man as a young person. Out here is the President of the US congratulating him, lauding him for his policies. I think to call him belligerent, narcissistic, petulant, misogynistic and racist is bang on the money.

Question negatived.