Why MPs stormed out of parliament

Liberal MPs walk out during Bill Shorten's speech on indigenous issues. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

INDIGENOUS leaders today accused Government MPs of being "pathetic" for snubbing Bill Shorten's speech on the Closing the Gap report.

But Coalition figures said they walked out on the speech because Mr Shorten was bringing party politics into what for the seven year history of the report had been a nonpartisan matter.

Mr Shorten claimed Budget cuts to programs had put families at risk of domestic violence.

Around 10 Coalition MPs, including at least one minister, were seen to leave the House of Representatives this morning when Mr Shorten followed Prime Minister Tony Abbott to speak on the report.

"We treat this very seriously," indigenous leader and University of Canberra chancellor Dr Tom Calma said of the protest.

"This is not a game. It was pathetic. It was a blight on their integrity."

Opposition leader Bill Shorten criticises the government's decision to cut funding for family violence programs in his Closing The Gap speech.

The issue which caused the ruckus was Mr Shorten's reference to the funding of programs to halt domestic violence in Aboriginal families.

"Sadly, indigenous women and children are more likely to experience family violence than any other group in our nation," said Mr Shorten.

"An indigenous woman is 35 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family violence — and five times more likely to die."

He then said while the Closing the Gap aim was shared by every Government and Opposition, Budget cuts to programs had to be pointed out.

"But when a Government cuts $500 million from essential services, we are compelled to point out what these cuts mean," he told Parliament.

"Right now, a host of vital organisations don't know whether their funding will be continued, or withdrawn."

A group of Liberal MPs left the chamber during Bill Shorten's speech. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

He told Parliament that, for example, "When people are fleeing family violence need a safe place to stay, cuts will mean that shelters close.

"When having a lawyer can determine whether a first-time offender gets a second chance or a prison sentence — these cuts will rob indigenous Australians of legal aid.

"When family and children's centres are supporting children in those vital early years — these cuts will see doors close."

Liberal moderate Russell Broadbent said he had walked out because "Bill should be above the fray at times like that".

Mr Broadbent said Mr Shorten had referred to "cuts" which were in fact forward outlays to "a peak body organisation" which were not delivered.

"Leaders should be above the fray on times when speeches are being delivered at times like that," Mr Broadbent told news.com.au.

"In fact I think the nation is crying out for leaders who would be above the fray at times like that."

The CEO of the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Antoinette Braybrook acknowledged it was her organisation affected by the funding changes.

Ms Braybrook supported the "positive recognition" of family violence by Mr Shorten and was encouraged by it.

"I'm not encouraged by the continued cuts to family violence services and in particular the de-funding of our national family violence prevention legal service program," she said.

"We have an epidemic on our hands."

But Tasmanian Liberal Andrew Nikolic accused Mr Shorten of "an appalling lack of judgment and lack of leadership" for including "a party-political attack in his reply speech".

"Closing the Gap and reconciliation are important objectives requiring commitment, focus and above all else bipartisanship," Mr Nikolic said.

"Liberal and Labor leaders are at the heart of driving progress towards improved indigenous health, education, and jobs outcomes.

"Those objectives are not helped when leaders choose blame over bipartisanship."

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