It’s almost like Julia Gillard’s misogyny speech didn’t happen. Or maybe NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard just completely missed it. After appearing in NSW Parliament, Hazzard has been called out for his incredibly poor treatment of Labor Leader and Strathfield MP, Jodi McKay, during Question Time.
Captured in a video since posted on Twitter, the attack has sparked outrage.
“This is Brad Hazzard. The man in charge of keeping us safe”: NSW Health Minister called out for hateful attack on Labor Leader Jodi McKay.
Following the event, McKay, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of NSW, took to Twitter to share an edited video of Hazzard’s behaviour during the sitting, indicating that the attack was a response to being questioned about a potential mask shortage in NSW.
“Brad Hazzard indicated today that NSW may have a shortage of face masks,” McKay described in the post. “So we asked him about it in Question Time on your behalf. His rude response was unfitting of the Minister in charge of our pandemic response.”
The video includes clips where McKay is referred to as a “goose”, “a pork chop”, and repeatedly called “stupid” and “irrelevant”.
“When I was a teacher many years ago, there were a couple of kids in the class like you, and normally they went out to sixth pretty quickly – because that’s where you should be going, carrying on like that. That’s just stupid,” Hazzard described to McKay at one point in just one of many condescending attacks.
Later he asserts: “If I was sitting next to someone like you on a bus, I would definitely have a mask on.”
At numerous points, Speaker Jonathan O’Dea tries to silence Hazzard.
“Thank you, Mr Speaker,” McKay responds. “He’s a Health Minister, I would ask that he stop attacking me over the table and just answer the question.”
Brad Hazzard indicated today that NSW may have a shortage of face masks. So we asked him about it in Question Time on your behalf. His rude response was unfitting of the Minister in charge of our pandemic response. pic.twitter.com/vnXFIUv6Zq
— Jodi McKay (@JodiMcKayMP) August 6, 2020
The hateful incident has been slammed by Twitter users, including reporters and fellow MPs.
This is disgraceful. Ministers have been sacked for less https://t.co/CIQkIlY0u6
— Jamieson Murphy (@jamiesonmurph) August 6, 2020
What a disgraceful performance from the NSW Liberal Health Minister. https://t.co/GnCxq6A0EJ
— Brian Mitchell MP (@BrianMitchellMP) August 6, 2020
This is Brad Hazzard, the New South Wales Minister for Health. The man in charge of keeping us safe. Quite aside from the fact he refuses to answer a simple question, watching his rude, childish, misogynistic behaviour makes me sick to my stomach. Repulsive. https://t.co/kkWBRKMkXR
— Sara (@SaraInSYD) August 6, 2020
What disgusting, arrogant, immature and unprofessional behaviour from Brad Hazzard. When bullying is unacceptable everywhere else, why is it still tolerated at all levels of Govt?
— Kirsty (@kirstbou) August 6, 2020
Seriously, is he drunk?
— Jason Mountney (@JasonMountney) August 6, 2020
Elsewhere, people have called for Hazzard’s resignation.
It wasn’t just rude, @JodiMcKayMP it was clearly ABUSIVE conduct.
Hazzard should be stripped of his ministry for this unhinged, abusive behaviour. Was there alcohol involved?@GladysB you need to take action on ministerial standards.
Unacceptable. https://t.co/Tlc7ZA02G6
— 🌿 Animal (*Farm) 🥁 (@grottyscotty) August 6, 2020
@GladysB This is absolutely disgusting & unnaceptable behaviour by your Health Minister!!! 🤬🤬🤬
Brad Hazzard needs to be stood down from his position immediately!!!
& we the people of NSW deserve an answer to this very important & valid question re our supply of masks ASAP!!!
— Olivia 🦋 #Angusgate💧🌱☘ #ScoMoResign 🏝🗑🚣 (@heardboutpluto) August 6, 2020
Many have called upon Premier Gladys Berejiklian, asking how she can possibly condone such behaviour from Hazzard. Some users have pointed to deeper problems in the culture of the Liberal Party.
Misogynistic, disrespectful, contemptuous comments from Brad Hazzard.
The standard you walk past, @GladysB ? https://t.co/MH58vZsBYE— The Cathy Wilcox (@cathywilcox1) August 6, 2020
.@BradHazzard is a misogynistic, incompetent, entitled fool. His part in the #RubyPrincess debacle was disgraceful. His performance yesterday was disgusting.@GladysB why do you accept this behaviour? #BradHazzard https://t.co/XJjqwSd977
— Ian Hazzard (@cactusian) August 7, 2020
Brad Hazzard – as he often behaves. That he’s survived so long in the NSW Liberal party says a lot about their culture.
— Kristina Keneally (@KKeneally) August 7, 2020
As NSW Health Minister, it was under Hazzard’s watch that the 2,647 passengers of the Ruby Princess cruise ship were allowed to disembark back in March, amidst the rapidly developing pandemic situation. It was a move which ultimately resulted in hundreds of coronavirus cases and more than 20 deaths, forever shaping the pandemic situation in Australia.
McKay has been applauded for her handling of the attack.
Jodi, amazed with your calm and focus throughout this attack. 👏
— Kate Dorrell (@KateDorrell) August 6, 2020
Huge response from public to yesterday’s very reasonable questioning of Brad Hazzard in Parliament over Government’s position on face masks. Thanks to everyone who has flooded my Twitter and Facebook. I’ll be on 2GB @BenFordhamLive at 8.15am to discuss.
— Jodi McKay (@JodiMcKayMP) August 6, 2020
