Payman asks if PM is waiting for an attack on her, sparking committee rebuke
Senator refuses to withdraw comment about Helen Haines attack; chair to refer matter to Senate president
Independent WA Senator Fatima Payman stunned a parliamentary committee hearing late Monday by asking whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was waiting for a Helen Haines-style attack on her before granting additional staff. She refused to withdraw the comment, drawing immediate rebukes from Special Minister of State Don Farrell and committee chair Senator Karen Grogan.