Pocock scolded for describing arguments against climate science as 'bullshit'
New independent senator David Pocock has been rebuked for using "unparliamentary language" after swearing during a debate on climate change.
Pocock, who represents the ACT in the Senate, was lamenting the progress of policy addressing climate change.
"It seems like a pretty sad day in Australia where in 2022 we're hearing arguments about climate science after however long of the bullshit that Australians have had to…" Pocock said before being interrupted.
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David Pocock has been told off for swearing in the Senate. Alex Ellinghausen
He was then told to withdraw the "unparliamentary" language and told to "find another term to use".
Looking rather bemused, Pocock replied that he would "withdraw this truth".
Pocock had called for parliament to take action against the export of fossil fuels to other countries.
"Fossil fuel exports account for more than double our direct emissions," he said.
"If we are to take climate change seriously, we have to reduce the source of the majority of our emissions, which is exports.
"We have ignored scientists for far too long."
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David Pocock was well-regarded as one of the most abrasive and technically gifted rugby forwards in the world in the past decade. Getty
Soon afterwards, the Senate passed the federal government's climate bill with amendments, by a 37 to 30 vote.
It will now go back to the House of Representatives for another vote.
Pocock being corrected for his language came weeks after One Nation senator Pauline Hanson used the same word in parliament repeatedly without rebuke.
Hanson was speaking about the spread of foot and mouth disease in Bali.
"Cattle roam the streets, cattle shit on the ground, people walk in that shit," she said.
"That shit is then brought back in their clothing and on their person and back into this country."
David Pocock is the first independent to represent the ACT in the Senate. Getty
The 34-year-old was elected to one of the two ACT Senate seats in the election earlier this year.
Before entering public office, Pocock was widely regarded as one of the best rugby union players in Australia.
Softly spoken off the field but abrasive and technically gifted on it, he was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year three times.
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