Someone get Penny Wong a cup of tea, already.
“Senator Wong, you’re becoming hysterical.”
“Just calm yourself, Senator Wong.”
Those are the words used by Attorney-General George Brandis during a moment in question time on Monday afternoon when Senator Penny Wong interjected during his time on the floor.
See the video here:
Brandis later said his answer to a question about a letter sent by Sydney Siege gunman Man Monis to his office prior to the incident could not be heard over the “shrill, hysterical shrieking of Senator Wong”.
Senator Wong took the sexist criticism well, later tweeting: “After being called shrill and hysterical by George Brandis, I’m off to my office for a cup of tea, a Bex [a drug associated with soothing frazzled housewives in the 50s and 60s] and a lie down. #dinosaur #senateqt”
But Greens Leader Richard Di Natale called upon Senator Brandis – who was busted reading a book of poetry during senate estimates in June – to withdraw his “unbecoming” comments, Sky News reports.
“I would invite Senator Brandis to reflect on some of the language he is using in this chamber,” Senator Di Natale said.
“Calling Senator Wong shrill and hysterical is language unbecoming of a government minister.”
Maybe Brandis is the one who needs a Bex and a lie down.
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Top Comments
The video clearly shows Brandis never used the word "shrill". Penny Wong was repeatedly yelling over the top of the AG, ignoring requests for silence, as he was answering a question put to him.
Penny was being incredibly arrogant and rude and yes, bordering on hysterical. You should be complaining about her disgraceful unparliamentary behaviour in the chamber, not the polite request that she calm down and treat others with the same respect and civility she demands from everyone else.
Nice mansplaining,Robert /sarcasm
"Brandis *****later said****** his answer to a question about a letter sent by Sydney Siege gunman Man Monis to his office prior to the incident could not be heard over the “shrill, hysterical shrieking of Senator Wong”."
later said - as in not in parliament
hysterical is acknowledged as a blatantly sexist term used to demean a woman in dispute with a man - by your definition Abbott should be branded hysterical on many occasions - wonder why he isn't????
truly Brandis needs to blow his nose or even have a sinus operation. That nasal voice of his , bordering on an hysterical note cannot be taken seriously.
truly Brandis needs to blow his nose or even have a sinus operation. That nasal voice of his , bordering on an hysterical note cannot be taken seriously. And yes, Abbott is frequently hysterical as is Pyne. Interestingly the only cabinet minister in the Coalition who NEVER is, is Bishop! Funny that.
Listening to question time, you can see why we spend $600 million a year on these people to run our country.