STATEMENTS BY SENATORS
Senator LAMBIE (Tasmania) (13:53): These are some of the nasties coming through to my office. Leanne said: Something is wrong with this girls mental capacity. Tony said: I don't know whats worse.
Her voice or her face? Troy said: Some times its better to Shut your Bi*ch Ass Up. Dave said: You're past it old love.
A quick Botox Session and get out to pasture. And Joseph said: We don't need people like you … telling us what to do and … most of you politicians are corrupt … and Canberra is full of Pedos … thank God for one nation and yeah born in the 60's bitch … I've seen corruption first hand know allot of people. Your ugly is inside and out good luck with that there is no stopping the masses from waking up, have a nice day you evil bitch.
These are just a handful of messages—or gutter trash, as I call them—that I got over the weekend. To be honest with you, these aren't even the worst ones. This is what is going on in our society.
People have become too comfortable hiding behind a screen and spewing abuse at somebody they've never met. I've got thick skin. I'm good with criticism.
I love debate. I don't expect everyone to agree with me. That is why we live in the democracy that we live in today.
People are allowed to disagree with me, and I'm allowed to disagree with them, but this isn't political debate. These are personal attacks, threats and disgusting comments that most people would never have the guts to say to somebody's face. These are faceless keyboard cowboys who think hiding behind a computer screen gives them permission to say whatever they like without consequences.
Well, I've had a gutful of it. We have families, friends and staff who see and have to deal with this rubbish too. Holding public office does not mean we should be expected to shut up and accept a constant stream of personal abuse.
So, from now on, if you send this sort of filth to me or to my office, don't assume it will stay hidden in my inbox. If you are prepared to put your name to these words, you should be prepared to have these words seen by others. You're very lucky today that I haven't put your last names and your email addresses out there, but, if you keep coming, that's what you're going to find out.
You want to play with me and be nasty to my staff—look out!