Rex Patrick (SA, Centre Alliance) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a short statement in relation to threats made by a CFMMEU official towards me, Senator Griff and Senator Lambie over the weekend.

Leave is granted.

Senators may be aware of media reports over the weekend relating to threats made to me, Senator Griff and Senator Lambie by Mr Setka in relation to a pending vote in this chamber on the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Ensuring Integrity) Bill 2019. No senator should ever be threatened or intimidated in relation to a vote. Lobbied, challenged on the merits, presented with contrary views, and criticised? Yes. Threatened? No.

This is a very serious matter. Senators Griff, Lambie and I are giving careful consideration to what action we will take in relation to the threat. Under consideration are a number of options, including referral to the Privileges Committee, referral to the police, or inviting Mr Setka to appear before the Education and Employment Committee to explain his remarks. It will likely be a combination of these things. There should be zero tolerance for anyone who seeks to influence a senator's vote by way of threat. We cannot possibly leave this matter unattended.

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement in relation to John Setka.

Leave is granted.

I rise to support the statement from Senator Patrick regarding the conduct of Mr John Setka. To seek to influence a vote in this chamber by threat or intimidation is completely inappropriate. I dish it out myself a fair bit in this place, so I cannot be complaining when it comes back in my direction, but the comments attributed to Mr Setka in recent reports are entirely beyond the pale. Politics can be brutal but it should never become violent. We are closely examining what options are available to us to ensure that this kind of intimidation gets the response it rightfully deserves. My vote will never be determined by who bullies me the most. I won't be swayed by threats or the people who make them. But allowing these threats to go unanswered is no longer an option. I won't be saying anything further on the matter until we have determined the most appropriate course of action.

To John: I can only appeal to whatever is left of your sense of decency and honour, by asking you to consider doing what is plainly in the best interests of your union members—I urge you, once again, to stand down and resign.