O’Connor labelled ‘disgrace’

ACCUSATIONS of racism and unparliamentary behaviour – and a leader storming out – marred the adjournment debate in state parliament on Thursday night.

Addressing the House of Assembly on Thursday regarding a parliament speech earlier this week, Greens leader Cassy O’Connor claimed Labor MP Ella Haddad accused her of having a “strong bias against the Chinese”.

“That is a lie, and I am entitled to defend myself,” Ms O’Connor said.

“She has accused me of the most grotesque motives, which I reject and which are an insult to Chinese-Australians.” Her words were met with a stern warning from Speaker Sue Hickey, who said the comments were “unparliamentary” and a “disgrace”.

“Ms O’Connor, I think you are on the border of being very, very personal, and I personally feel extremely uncomfortable with what you are saying,” Ms Hickey said. “I don’t believe Ms

Haddad had any intention of any of those things you’ve claimed and I think it’s a personal attack.”

Ms O’Connor later stormed out of the lower house. A Labor spokesman said the party was “considering all options”.

Ms O’Connor told the Mercury she was outlining “human rights atrocities perpetrated by the Chinese government on the people of Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong”. “I was shut down by the Speaker. The parliament of Tasmania is a place where all members should have the opportunity to speak freely, and particularly on human rights issues.”