Labor has accused government backbencher Tim Wilson of serving as the drawcard at a Liberal Party fundraiser while he was still the human rights commissioner.
Attorney-General George Brandis hit back telling Labor frontbencher Penny Wong she was attacking Mr Wilson because of his relationship status and "that is a disgraceful thing to do."
In a heated exchange hearing, Senator Wong said that was "demonstrably untrue and beneath contempt".
Senator Brandis said Mr Wilson, who is gay, attended some Liberal events as a guest of his partner who was a member of the party.
As human rights commissioner he had also written to political parties, offering to attend their events and talk about human rights.
In that capacity he attended Liberal and Greens events but Labor didn't respond.
Senator Wong presented a Liberal Party flyer which billed Mr Wilson as guest speaker.
"This is not Mr Wilson attending as a guest of his partner. This is Mr Wilson headlining a fundraiser," she said.
Liberal committee chairman Ian Macdonald said that at $40 a head, it could hardly be classed as a fundraiser.
Senator Wong sought to determine costs in public funds Mr Wilson incurred.
