Jarrod BLEIJIEmp

Member for Kawana Shadow Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Manager of Business

25 October 2019 Queensland Legislative Assembly Number:_ ■ -k .

Hon. MP Tabled O' Speaker of the Legislative Assembly By Leave

By email: [email protected] Clerk's Signature: Dear Mr Sp

I ask you to investigate a discussion using unparliamentary language during consideration in detail of the Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019.

As has been reported in the media, the Chamber Broadcast at 4:15 - 4:17 on Thursday 24 October 2019 records a male voice using unparliamentary language in relation to a woman. Based on the audio the language used was: “She's a f***wit.... I think she’s on something.”

The use of such language in reference to a female Member of Parliament is highly disorderly and could amount to a breach of the Ethical Standards of the Parliament and the Standing Orders.

On my review of the Chamber audio and visual, I formed the view that It was the Member for Toohey, Mr MP who made the remarks.

He can be seen leaning towards the Member for Aspley, Mr Bart Mellish when the comment is made. Immediately following the last comment, the Member for Macalister reaches over, apparently to switch off the live microphone.

It has nearly been 24 hours since the comment was made. I note that the Member for Toohey has just uploaded the following apology to his facebook site.

*7 apologise to Parliament for my unparliamentary language that was recorded in the House during a division yesterday. This is not the type of language a Parliamentarian should be using. I apologise unreservedly”

With respect to his apology I do not think it goes far enough. Mr Russo should personally apologise to the woman at the centre of his misogynistic attack.

This language is absolutely unacceptable. I respectfully ask that you investigate this matter, including the involvement of the Members for Aspley and McAlister.

Yours sincerely

arrod Blg^ MP- 6w MTrnsterforEducation and Industrial Relations Manager of Opposition Business Member for Kawana

■ftr Sunshine Central, 4/3 Nicklin Way, M'n'iynniH Old 45/5 SB PO Box 1200. Buddins Old 4575 Bf 07 5406 3100 @ [email protected] Qjafrodbleijfft.com f Jarrod Bleijie S’ @JarrodB!f?jjieMP ® jarrodb'esjie Peter Russo mp Your Strong Voice for the Southside

Hon. Curtis Pitt MP Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Queensland Parliament Cnr of George and Alice Streets Brisbane QLD 4000

Dear Mr Speaker,

I write today to apologise unreservedly to you, and to the House, for my unparliamentary language that was inadvertently captured on audio in the chamber during a division last night.

I know the dialogue was from a private conversation however I acknowledge the language was inappropriate to use in the pariiament.

I accept responsibility for the language I used, and I offer my unreserved and sincere apology to the House.

Peter Russo MP Member for Toohey

25 October 2019 Peter Russo MP - Toohey 24 October at 21:06 Q t apologise to the Parliament for my unparliamentary language that was recorded in the House during a division yesterday. This is not the type of language a parliamentarian should he using. I apologise unreservedly

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