Hansard debates

Moira DEEMING (Western Metropolitan) (18:18): As I was saying, it was a head-on collision. The car struck Ryan. Phone and email records show that just 30 minutes after the crash Daniel Andrews phoned his then staffer Chris Reilly asking him to urgently arrange a new windscreen, that the state government insurance VicFleet refused to do so without a proper claim form and that Reilly then rang to arrange it with O’Brien glass directly. This all would have happened while Ryan was lying on the road fighting for his life.

Isn’t it interesting to see you all close ranks on the basis of tribal loyalty for someone that we all know – you know – did things you did not agree with. I chose my words very carefully. I referenced proper historical facts. I referenced an actual judge in this state who did reference the Nuremberg trials, condemning that man’s governance. Listen to your language. What about your language? Listen to the contempt you just poured out on the people of Victoria for a legal, democratic petition scheduled permanently in the timetable that you guys obey. It is ridiculous, the way that you just poured contempt on Victorians. Honestly, that is just disgusting, what you just did. You have contempt for working-class people that you rule over.

Michael Galea: On a point of order, President, pointing out that it is perhaps inappropriate to compare a democratically elected Premier to Stalin is not the same as what you are saying, Mrs Deeming. Furthermore –

The PRESIDENT: That is not a point of order.

Moira DEEMING: As a collective, you called these concerns a joke and bizarre. It is just absolutely –

Michael Galea interjected.

Moira DEEMING: Well, excuse me, he just admitted to calling me a joke. Can he withdraw that? Am I allowed to take a point of order in my own speech? I do not know.

Michael Galea: I will clarify that the ‘you’ was the collective Liberal Party, but I am happy to withdraw.

Moira DEEMING: Thank you. The statue proposal is out of step with tradition, financial reality, morality and common sense. You should get over yourselves; that is what you should do. Serve your constituents.

Michael Galea: On a point of order, President, let us just melt the statues down, because clearly Rupert Hamer is rolling in his grave.

The PRESIDENT: That is not a point of order.

Council divided on motion: