'Fool, ignoramus': Parliamentary committee suspended as senators clash
A parliamentary committee was suspended following a heated exchange between Senators Glenn Sterle and Bridget McKenzie. The clash involved personal insults and accusations regarding travel expenses, with Sterle later apologizing for his language. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Australian Senate regarding parliamentary conduct and accountability.
- ▪Senator Glenn Sterle called Senator Bridget McKenzie an ignoramus and a fool during a committee meeting.
- ▪The argument escalated over McKenzie's questioning of road funding and her travel expenses.
- ▪Sterle later apologized for his choice of words, stating he regretted the outburst.
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| Original publisher | ABC News (Australia) |
| Canonical URL | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-25/senate-estimates-bridget-mckenzie-glenn-sterle-clash/106718614 |
| Publication time | Mon, 25 May 2026 07:47:14 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-25T07:57:36.508Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-25T07:57:36.508Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Parliamentary committee suspended as senators Bridget McKenzie and Glenn Sterle clashBy political reporter Ewa StaszewskaTopic:Federal GovernmentMon 25 May 2026 at 5:47pmMon 25 May 2026 at 5:47pmMon 25 May 2026 at 5:47pmLoading...In short:A Liberal senator called point of order after several insults directed at Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie.Labor senator Glenn Sterle later apologised, stating he regretted the language as a result of "frustrations boiling over".What's next?Senate estimates will continue until next week.abc.net.au/news/senate-estimates-bridget-mckenzie-glenn-sterle-clash/106718614Link copiedShareShare articleA parliamentary committee has been suspended after a clash between the Labor chair Glenn Sterle and Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, during which he called her…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).