‘A new low’: MP suspended for fiery parliament walkout
A Liberal MP has been suspended from parliament after a chaotic walkout described by the speaker as “a new low” for politicians’ behaviour.
MP Garth Hamilton was barred from the House of Representatives for 24 hours after swearing and storming out of the chamber during question time.
Liberal MP Garth Hamilton has been suspended for a dramatic walkout during question time. Mick Tsikas
Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain was criticising comments made by Angus Taylor, claiming the opposition leader had directly criticised firefighters’ response to the devastating 2003 Snowy Mountains bushfires, before Hamilton’s outburst.
The Liberal member for Groom could be heard interjecting, reportedly calling McBain’s remarks “bull----” before storming out of the House.
Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall immediately called for Hamilton to be “named” – effectively a censure and short suspension.
Speaker Milton Dick initially said he hadn’t seen what Hamilton had done, but promised to review the incident, and after question time, he called the outburst “a new low”, saying Hamilton showed “severe” disrespect.
“I certainly hope the Member for Groom, when he does return, will apologise to the House,” he said after naming Hamilton, who was suspended for 24 hours following a vote of the lower house.
Speaking to media after the incident, Hamilton said he was happy to have brought attention to what he described as “gutter politics” from the government.
“[The Labour government] refuse to address the issues that are out there for all Australians to deal with,” he told reporters.
“Instead of fronting up and taking responsibility for the issues that they have to deal with, they’ve turned question time into an attempt just to throw mud at Angus Taylor.
Hamilton said he was glad his walkout had gained attention. Alex Ellingahausen
“I’m actually quite happy that this draws attention to these tactics.”
He said that the suggestions made by McBain angered him.
“This government is treating Australian’s with disdain.”
“Miss McBain should apologise... what she said is an absolute lie.
“These tactics are unbecoming of her.”
The furore comes after a report by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, published on Tuesday morning, on the comments made by Taylor in early June, and a demand he apologise to firefighters for them.
Angus Taylor insisted he hadn't criticised firefighters' actions. Alex Ellinghausen
In a video posted to social media, Taylor said authorities purposely let the 2003 fires burn.
“They said we’re not going to put them out because we believe in wilderness,” Taylor told a crowd in the Snowy Mountains as he stood on the back of a truck.
“We’re going to let it go, and we saw the most devastating fire we’ve ever seen come through this country.”
McBain described those comments as “absolutely shameful”, but following question time – and Hamilton’s suspension – Taylor said he had been “egregiously misrepresented” in her criticism.
“I did not blame firefighters, I blamed the mismanagement of the national parks bureaucracy,” he said.
“(McBain) should withdraw and apologise.”
Taylor said his claims were based on a federal parliamentary inquiry, which reported that proper land management, proper fire prevention principles and proper fire suppression strategies could have limited the risk of the wildfires.
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