Learn to speak Australian, Senator told

You can't call someone a liar in federal parliament, but apparently you can tell them to 'learn to speak Australian.'

Source: SBS

Outspoken Liberal Ian Macdonald bellowed exactly that across the Senate chamber during question time on Wednesday, lifting opposition Senate leader Penny Wong to her feet.

Senator Wong demanded he withdraw the "inappropriate" jibe.

"In a multicultural society, that thing ought not be said in the national parliament," she said.

The comment was directed at Senator Doug Cameron, who has a heavy Scottish accent.

Senator Macdonald defended the comment, saying he told his Labor colleague to "learn to speak Australian".

However, Senate President Stephen Parry ruled the remark wasn't unparliamentary.

"From my own observation, I don't see that it is unparliamentary," he said.

It is not the first time Senator Cameron has faced insults from his Coalition counterparts – on one occasion, Senator Bill Heffernan crossed the floor to tap the Scot on the chest, claiming he was “choking on his haggis”.

Senator Cameron said Senator Macdonald needs some help.

"We should all rally around him," he told reporters, saying his behaviour was becoming more erratic.