An Illawarra politician has distanced himself from the question-time antics that brought Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis to tears in Parliament this week.
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On Wednesday, the Member for Whitlam, Labor’s Stephen Jones, questioned Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about his recent visit to Gilmore and Ms Sudmalis’ comment that penalty rate cuts were “a gift for our young people” wanting a job.
The question was the second in two days about the statement. Ms Sudmalis was later seen wiping away tears, after a speaking with fellow Liberal Christopher Pyne.
Mr Jones denied he pushed Ms Sudmalis to breaking point, saying he was “very measured” in the way he asked the question.
“It was a question of the Prime Minister, not to her and I considered that I was very measured and polite in my questioning,” he said
“There’s no doubt that politics is a tough game.
“I don’t want to see Ann upset, but frankly there are a lot of people who are upset about the fact that they’re getting a cut to their take home pay and that’s something worth crying about.”
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
