‘What a stupid question’: Qld senator defends Albo’s tumble during election campaign
A Cairns-based senator has lashed out at a question over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s biggest gaffe of the federal election, calling out the Coalition’s climate change policies in the process.
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A Cairns-based senator has lashed out at a question over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s biggest gaffe of the federal election, criticising the Coalition’s climate change policies in the process.
In an attack on opposition leader Peter Dutton, Senator for Queensland Nita Green accused him of “speaking out of both sides of his mouth” on climate change and failing to clarify how many public service jobs would be cut during Wednesday night’s debate.
During the forum, Mr Dutton acknowledged climate change’s impact on his home state of Queensland, referencing recent natural disasters before adding: “I’m not a scientist”.
But Labor senator Nita Green said Mr Dutton’s energy policies threatened the Great Barrier Reef.
“We know that he has members of his party who do not believe in climate change,” Ms Green said.
“We know that he has a plan to build seven nuclear reactors across the country, a risky and expensive plan that will put the reef at further risk.”
In response to the debate, Liberal senator James Paterson attacked the PM for denying that Labor had modelled changes to negative gearing prior to the election.
Mr Paterson also took aim at Mr Albanese for disputing that he took a tumble during a campaign event in Newcastle.
“He’s lied about the Coalition’s record on health, he’s lied about the Coalition’s record on education, he has even lied about falling off the stage,” Mr Paterson said.
Asked on ABC radio if he was alright after the incident, Mr Albanese said: “I stepped back one step. I didn’t fall off the stage”.
Ms Green said it was up to voters to decide whether Mr Albanese fell or stepped back.
“What a stupid question,” she said.
“I’m not answering that. It’s ridiculous. I mean, come on. We’re in an election campaign.
“I’m saying that it’s a stupid question. I’m not calling you stupid. Honestly, there’s a video. You can watch it if you want to. There are more important things in the campaign.
“41,000 people are going to lose their jobs because Peter Dutton has to pay for a $600bn nuclear power plant. Those are the things that we are focused on.”
During the debate, Mr Dutton said a “redesign” of the public service couldn’t be done in Opposition.
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Originally published as ‘What a stupid question’: Qld senator defends Albo’s tumble during election campaign
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