A heated parliamentary sitting on Thursday saw opposition parties clash over claims of racism

Accusations of racism and unparliamentary behaviour – plus a leader storming out – have marred the adjournment debate in state parliament. WATCH THE VIDEO

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Accusations of racism and unparliamentary behaviour – plus a leader storming out – have marred the adjournment debate in state parliament tonight.

Addressing the House of Assembly on Thursday over a parliament speech earlier this week, Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor claimed Labor MP Ella Haddad accused her of having a “strong bias against the Chinese”.

“That is a lie, and I am entitled to defend myself,” Ms O’Connor said.

“She has accused me of the most grotesque motives which I reject and which are an insult to Chinese Australians.”

Ella Haddad. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Ms O’Connor’s words were met with a stern warning from Speaker Sue Hickey, who labelled the Greens leader’ comments as “unparliamentary” and a “disgrace”.

“Ms O’Connor we are trying to run a safe workplace here and I think you are on the border of being very, very personal, and I personally feel extremely uncomfortable with what you are saying,” Ms Hickey said.

“I don’t believe Ms Haddad had any intention of any of those things you’ve claimed and I think it’s a personal attack.”

Ms O’Connor told the chamber she wanted Ms Haddad to withdraw the alleged statement “and apologise”.

The Greens Leader later stormed out of the lower house.

Parliament, Speaker of the Tasmanian House of Assembly Sue Hickey. Picture Chris Kidd

A Labor spokesman said Ms O’Connor’s conduct in the parliament “reflected very poorly on her”.

“Her conduct was ignorant and dismissive of the Speaker and entirely unparliamentary,” the spokesman said.

“Cassy O’Connor’s irrational and out of control behaviour towards Ella Haddad was intimidating and unacceptable.”

“We are considering all options.”

Ms O’Connor last night told the Mercury she was responding “in the proper form” during the Adjournment Debate.

“Regrettably, as I was outlining the human rights atrocities perpetrated by the Chinese Government on the people of Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. I was shut down by the Speaker,” she said.

“I still do not know why or on what grounds, and no grounds were provided under the Standing Orders by the Speaker, as is required in the House.

“The parliament of Tasmania is a place where all Members should have the opportunity to speak freely, and particularly on human rights issues.”