Bernardi attacks Wong as 'callous, coward'

Liberal backbencher Cory Bernardi launched a scathing attack against Labor's Penny Wong, claiming she failed to condemn attacks on his electorate office.

Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi

Outspoken Liberal backbencher Cory Bernardi has labelled Labor's Penny Wong "callous and cowardly". (AAP)

Outspoken Liberal backbencher Cory Bernardi has labelled Labor's Penny Wong "callous and cowardly" for failing to condemn attacks on his Adelaide electorate office.

A 14-year-old girl is among 12 people accused of trashing the Kent Town office, allegedly defacing the walls and carpet, pushing over a fence and destroying electoral material on March 18.

"You haven't condemned them Senator Wong - that's how callous and cowardly you are," he told parliament on Tuesday.

"You come in and you carry on like you're some sort of precious petal and what we know is you're a hypocrite."

Senator Bernardi immediately withdrew the comments against the senior Labor frontbencher, admitting it was wrong.

The group are expected to be summonsed to face court for disorderly behaviour.

Three have also been reported for property damage over the protest, sparked by Senator Bernardi's fierce opposition to the controversial Safe Schools program.

The hardline conservative used Tuesday's monologue to reignite the debate over the program, claiming it indoctrinated young people into circumstances they weren't ready for.

"The author of this Safe Schools Program is an avowed marxist," he said.

"They're getting 12-year-olds, sending them to websites ... which deliberately encourage them to enter into bondage parties or to visit sex stores."


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Source: AAP



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