Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
1:32 pm
The opposition leader is known to many Australians. He's the man who requires no introduction—you know who: he who shall not be named. His views over many years are on the public record. We know Mr Dutton boycotted the apology to the Stolen Generation in 2008—
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Order, Senator Polley. Senator Hughes, on a point of order?
Hollie Hughes NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Yes, Acting Deputy President. The reference that was just made by Senator Polley was towards the opposition leader. He should be referred to by his correct term, not by the smears and innuendos that were just made by Senator Polley. She should withdraw.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Polley, did you want to speak on the point of order? I will rule on it.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
I do want to speak on the point of order, Acting Deputy President. When I addressed Mr Dutton, I used 'Mr Dutton'.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Thank you, Senator Polley. Senator Hughes, given that this is two-minute statements, I don't want to get into too much of a debate on this. On the point of order—
Hollie Hughes NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
No, but the reference was clearly a juvenile reference to Harry Potter, and—
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Order, Senator Hughes, I think that's a debating point. But I will remind senators that when referring to colleagues and members in the other place that they used their correct titles in doing so. Senator Polley, please continue.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
He joked about sea level rise in the Pacific, clearly displaying that he doesn't care for the lives of our Pacific neighbours. He described Malcolm Turnbull's decision to allow lesbian—
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Order, Senator Polley. Senator Brockman on a point of order.
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
Yes, there was a clear imputation—193(3). It needs to be withdrawn. If Senator Polley is going to keep going down this path, she is going to keep getting interrupted.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Polley, for the ease of assisting the chamber, I might ask that you withdraw any language that may have breached the standing orders.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
I'm very happy to withdraw any language that is offensive to the standing orders.
He described Mr Malcolm Fraser's decision to allow Lebanese Muslim refugees into the country in the 1970s as 'a mistake'. Here's the man who said his Labor opponent was 'using her disability as an excuse'. He called the two children of the Biloela family 'anchor babies' to incite another immigration war. He claimed refugee women were faking rape—
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Order, Senator Polley. Senator O'Sullivan on a point of order.
Matt O'Sullivan WA, Liberal Party
It's against standing orders to ascribe a particular motive to another member.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
I think that is right, Senator O'Sullivan. Senator Polley, may I ask again that you withdraw any language that offends the standing orders and to continue with your contribution being mindful of some of the points of order that have already been raised.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
I'd like to speak to this point of order. Referring to the fact—it's factual—that Mr Dutton claimed refugee women were faking being raped—
Well, I—
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Order. Senator Polley—
Order across the chamber. Senator Polley, for the ease of the chamber—
thank you, Senator Hughes—please progress with your contribution.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
Thank you. The claim that refugee women were faking rape claims to get out of mandatory detention is disgusting, and I thought everyone in this chamber would support that point of view. He alleged that Victorians were scared to go out for dinner because of 'marauding African gangs'. This is the man who is the opposition leader.
He allegedly cancelled work morning teas held in the defence department. Some say he resembles the man who shall not be named in likeness and in spirit. Mr Peter Dutton is a man of division. It is all known by the Australian community. He takes pleasure out of trying to destroy his opponents, whether they're in this place or the other place.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Order, Senator Polley. Senator Brockman on a point of order.
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
Honestly—1933; I don't need to say any more.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Ayres on the point of order.
Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade
On the point of order, there was quite some discussion in the last sitting week, I think, about personal reflections and imputations. There was a series of personal reflections and imputations that week which went a long way further than what has normally occurred. However, the correct response is not for there to be such a narrow interpretation of personal imputations that you can't say anything negative about a political figure at all. It's something that will have to be reflected upon, but I don't think it should unduly limit senators' contributions in its place.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Thank you, Senator Ayres. Senator Polley, I'll call you in a moment. In the nature of getting this matter dealt with, I might refer these particular questions to the Clerk and to the President to look at how broadly we want to define these limitations on what can and can't be said. Senator Polley, I will call you for the remaining 17 seconds of your statement—Senator Brockman?
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
When you refer it to the President, can you point out that this contribution was a direct contribution about an individual member of the other place. It was not about the Liberal Party; it was a direct attack on an individual.
Claire Chandler Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Thank you, Senator Brockman. Senator Polley.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
I think I've made my point. The point is that the Australian community know how divisive Mr Peter Dutton is, and Australians deserve so much better.
Opposition senators interjecting—
Obviously they're very touchy on that side of the chamber. I'd be touchy too, if he were my leader, because he's not fit to be the Prime Minister of this country. (Time expired)