The rude incident all of Canberra is talking about, in which a female parliament worker is injured as seven politicians offer a deep apology: ‘Disgust at this behaviour’
- Parliament employee injured in ‘serious case’
- Members of Parliament stormed past a member of staff as they left the chamber
A female parliamentary staffer was injured in the House of Representatives as Coalition MPs rushed to leave the chamber – prompting a warning to all politicians to prevent another ‘disgusting’ incident from happening.
Dan Tehan, Angus Taylor, Zoe McKenzie and Andrew Hastie were among seven MPs who apologized to the House of Representatives for the scuffle on Wednesday morning.
The staff member was pushed into the doorway and injured her arm as several MPs rushed to leave after Speaker Milton ordered Dick to lock the doors for a division.
Mr Dick said: ‘I am particularly disgusted by this behavior and I will not tolerate it in front of the staff.
“For a member of staff of this room to be treated in this way while they are simply doing their job is disrespectful and a very serious matter.
“I want to make it clear that I am committed to ensuring that this building and room are safe and respectful workplaces.
“No staff should be injured in the service of this House.”
A parliamentary assistant was injured in the chamber as coalition MPs rushed to leave the chamber
Queensland MP Llew O’Brien issued a heartfelt apology on Wednesday morning.
He said, “I apologize unreservedly to the house and to yourself for leaving at your direction yesterday. And I also apologize to the staff if they were involved in this.
“The staff here in the room are doing a great job and one of them is no crowd control. And for that I apologize to them.’
Zoe McKenzie added that she “deeply regrets the impact an involved employee has had” in her attempt to leave the room.
Andrew Hastie said he “apologises unreservedly” to the staffer involved.
Zoe McKenzie and Angus Taylor were among the first to apologize
Andrew Hastie said he “apologises unreservedly” to the staffer involved
On Tuesday evening, Tony Burke, Minister for Employment and Labor Relations, urged Dick to view the footage of the incident.
“Mr Speaker, regardless of practice and standing orders, we as a House cannot be in a position where people are using their physical size to push past staff members after you say ‘Lock the doors,'” he said .
After the speaker has ordered the door to be locked, no member may enter or leave the room.
All MPs have been warned that they will receive a letter reviewing the guidelines and expectations of them in their role as community representatives.
“No member’s time is worth more than an employee’s safety,” he said.
Queensland MP Llew O’Brien (right) issued a deeply heartfelt apology on Wednesday morning
Six MPs expressed their regret about the actions