KEY POINTS:
- Seven Liberal MPs have been forced to apologise after a parliamentary attendant was hurt on Tuesday.
- She was hurt as the group hurriedly tried to leave House of Representatives chamber.
- Speaker Milton Dick says he is 'disgusted' by their behaviour.
Seven coalition MPs have been forced to apologise to parliament and staff for conduct which "disgusted" the House of Representatives Speaker.
Speaker Milton Dick issued a blistering statement to the house on Wednesday morning after MPs pushed their way out of the chamber during a vote on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident happened after the Speaker had directed attendants to lock the doors of the chamber to allow a vote to take place.
But after he had issued the direction, several MPs continued to make their way out of the chamber.
Speaker Milton Dick described behaviour as 'disgusting'. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
"I'm particularly disgusted by this behaviour and I will not tolerate it," Mr Dick said.
"For a staff member of this place to be treated in this way, when they are simply doing their job, is disrespectful and a very serious matter."
Dan Tehan also apologised. Source: AAP
Backbenchers Llew O'Brien, Zoe McKenzie and Sam Birrell also offered their apologies.
Mr Dick said Australians expected their elected representatives to maintain the highest standards of conduct and behaviour.
He understood MPs had busy schedule, but no one was too busy to ensure the safety of staff.
"I'm committed to ensuring that this building and this chamber is a safe and respectful place of work for all," he said.
