BUSINESS
Senator HANSON-YOUNG (South Australia—Manager of Australian Greens Business in the Senate) (12:02): Given that the government wants to ram this through without debate, I seek leave to make a short two-minute statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for two minutes. Senator HANSON-YOUNG: Well, the fix is in, isn't it?
Look at this. You've got the Labor Party captured by industry, and you've got the weak opposition over here rolling over. Angus Taylor and the Prime Minister have done a deal where Angus Taylor has simply rolled over like a lapdog.
From here on in, Angus Taylor will be known as Toto—the Prime Minister's own Toto. That is how weak this opposition really is. The fix is in.
The hours are done— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hanson-Young, resume your seat. I remind you that those in the other place need to be referred to by their correct titles. Senator Scarr?
Senator Scarr: Personal reflection—'roll over like a lapdog', and calling a member of the other place 'Toto', a dog. The PRESIDENT: Senator Scarr, I will ask Senator Hanson-Young to withdraw that comment, and I remind you that I would prefer that offensive comments not be repeated by those calling points of order. Senator Hanson-Young, could you withdraw that comment, please.
Senator Hanson-Young: Which bit? The PRESIDENT: Senator Hanson-Young, could you withdraw that comment. Senator Hanson-Young: I'm happy to withdraw, President, but I'd like you to take away and reflect whether the word 'lapdog' is indeed now not— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hanson-Young, I don't need to reflect.
You have— Senator Hanson-Young: I'll write to you. I withdraw. The PRESIDENT: Thank you.
Please continue. Senator HANSON-YOUNG: It is so clear that the opposition has rolled over, and the Prime Minister is ramming through legislation that satisfies the gambling industry. The people on the backbench of the Labor Party must be appalled.
They must be shamed by this. How terrible to see Peta Murphy's legacy thrown out the door because the Prime Minister wants to deliver for the gambling lobby. And what have we got from the Leader of the Opposition?
We've got: 'Oh, okay, Prime Minister. Whatever you say, Prime Minister.' How pathetic. What an absolute stitch-up.
Today, we're going to get an hour's motion rammed through this place with a long list of bills where the Prime Minister and Angus Taylor, the Leader of the Opposition, have had to try and—they just want it rammed through here. Where is the backbone of the Liberal Party in all of this? Where is the leadership from Mr Angus Taylor?
From where I sit, Mr Angus Taylor looks more like Toto than he does the Leader of the Opposition.