Fresh-faced Senator Jacqui Lambie has come out swinging against Prime Minister Tony Abbott, calling him a “political psychopath” on ABC Radio National this morning.
When pressed on why she’d use such a term, she said Abbott put his political career ahead of the security of his daughters by “parading” them around during the election campaign. It was the “last straw”, she said, when it came to assessing his character.
“That really bothers me that you’ve got those pretty young girls running around in front of a camera, and I just thought, ‘Is your political career more important than your own daughters’ security?’, she told the ABC.
The “young girls” Lambie was referring to were all over 18 and well and truly capable of making their own decisions at that point. One of Abbott’s daughters spent the majority of the election campaign overseas.
Meanwhile Lambie, a Palmer United Party senator, also said she will not be “controlled” by Clive Palmer.
Lambie will be official sworn in as a new senator on Monday, and joins two other new Palmer United Party senators in as part of a powerful voting bloc. She’s said she “can’t promise” the three will always vote together and that she will be looking out for the interests of her state, Tasmania. She joins eight cross bench Senators whose votes will be crucial for the Coalition, should the Labor party and the Greens block legislation.
Lambie’s spent more than ten years in the Australian Army. She joined the Palmer United Party after previously attempted to get pre-selection in the Liberal party. She’s spoken out against gay marriage, is fiercely against the Greens and has suggested that national service be put back on the agenda. She has two sons. http://www.crikey.com.au/2013/09/09/is-this-your-new-pup-balance-of-power-senate-warrior/