Outgoing Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has publicly slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison, labelling him a ‘bully’ during her appearance on the Senate floor.
After accusing Mr Morrison of intervening in NSW branch preselections, Fierravanti-Wells says she plans on leaving politics after being placed in an unwinnable spot on the Liberal party’s NSW Senate ticket, ABC News reports.
While speaking with the Upper House, she attacked the PM for destroying the Liberal Party with his role in the preselection.
"Morrison is not interested in rules-based order. It is his way or the highway — an autocrat, a bully who has no moral compass," she said.
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"In my public life I have met ruthless people. Morrison tops the list. Morrison is not fit to be Prime Minister."
Fierravanti-Wells also accused Immigration Minister Alex Hawke of applying ‘corrupt antics’ inside the Liberal party, which she described as 'dodgy' and contributed to her demotion in preselection.
"There is a very appropriate saying here, the fish stinks from the head," she said.
"Morrison and Hawke have ruined the Liberal Party in New South Wales by trampling its constitution."
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Fierravanti-Wells’ claims come after the federal executive of the Liberal Party took on the preselection candidates in many NSW seats, which prevented the rank-and-file from having their say for preferred candidates ahead of the upcoming election.
The obstruction resulted in the PM and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet having the power to choose their preferred candidates for many NSW seats, The Conversation reports.
"There is a putrid stench of corruption emanating from the New South Wales division of the Liberal Party," she said.
"Hawke as his representative on state executive for months and months failed to attend nomination review committee meetings to review candidates, thereby holding up preselections."
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Fierravanti-Wells also fired at Mr Morrison’s faith, saying he uses it as a ploy as his actions ‘conflict with his portrayal as a man of faith’.
“He has used his so-called faith as a marketing advantage," she said.
Mr Morrison, however, defended his character on ABC’s AM program earlier this morning and said: "Six years ago I strongly supported her and ensured that she was able to be re-selected. She was very happy at that time.
"But now, after being unsuccessful on the weekend, I understand that she's disappointed — and I join a long list of those that she's said these things about at times like this."
Charisa Bossinakis