Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove was in parliament this morning to open the session, because the sitting had been brought forward out of session.
After delivering a speech about the reason, everyone had been dragged back early, the G-G moved to shake the hand of opposition leader Bill Shorten.
Standing beside him, deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek offered her own hand but was left hanging as Sir Peter moved on to say hello to the Prime Minster and Deputy Prime Minister.
Labor backbenchers were heard heckling sarcastically at the snub, saying: “You’ve been told, Tanya, know your place”, and “that says something”, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
According to parliamentary protocol, the G-G is only expected to greet the PM, the opposition leader and the speaker, but the snub of Plibersek was noted because it was obvious and followed up by the greeting of the Deputy PM.
The G-G has since called Plibersek to apologise, saying he didn’t see her hand, Fairfax reports.
Plibersek is apparently unconcerned by the incident, saying it is a “storm in a teacup” and she did not need an apology.
You can watch the whole awkward moment unfold here:
Feature image: Getty/Mark Metcalfe
Top Comments
The Governor General apologised for his oversight, and the oppositions cat calling while he read out the Prime Ministers letter showed a distinct lack of class. The whole thing was a storm in a teacup as Ms Plibersec alluded to and Conroy didn't endear himself to anybody. I'm a Labour green voter, but I hate to see our great Parliament bought down to this. We the people deserve better and that applies to both sides
It's not a great look overall, but smart politicking by Labor.
Conroy was out of line and Shorten quickly admonished him, in contrast to Turnbull who is too scared to reign in his rogues like Bernadi, Andrews and Abbott.
You are right
old bloke won't shake young woman's hand....and we are surprised?
1. She isn't young.
2. If she can't handle not getting a handshake, how would she handle Putin or Kim or any other aggressive world leader as foreign affairs minister? With whimpering?
3. Maybe he knows about her nasty posters she hangs in her office of male pollies and he just doesn't rate her?
If the almighty Abbott was too scared to 'shirtfront' Putin, then I'd assume she would not do well either.
Looks like you missed the point.