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Angus Taylor says stronger barbs are thrown around in parliament after the Opposition Leader called Anthony Albanese an “arrogant prick” during question time on Thursday.
On Friday, Mr Taylor defended his choice of words, arguing stronger unparliamentary language is bandied about.
“I have to say that I’m hearing far worse at the moment from others as I get around the country and small business people and farmers,” Mr Taylor told the Today show.
“Maybe you need a lip reader in the parliament. You’ll see a bit.”
Speaking about taxes during question time on Thursday, the Prime Minister took a jab at the opposition, saying this might be the last time some of the coalition MPs vote about income tax – implying they will be voted out.
Mr Taylor then called the Prime Minister an “arrogant prick” – there’s no audio of the utterance, but Labor frontbenchers quickly called on Mr Taylor to withdraw the comment, which he did.
Mr Taylor essentially doubled down on Friday though, saying “small business people and farmers” across the country are “angry”.
“I had to withdraw it, it was unparliamentary,” he said.
“But what I am hearing everywhere I go is far worse than that.”
Mr Taylor argued those business owners were angry over the Labor government breaking an election promise and jacking up capital gains taxes.
“This is an absolute war on aspiration,” he said.
“If you’re trying to grow a business, get ahead, create opportunity for yourself and your family and your community, you’re going to get punished by this government.”
Mr Taylor told Karl Stefanovic that Mr Albanese was dodging questions in parliament.
“And the worst thing, Karl, is that we ask questions of the Prime Minister in question time; he doesn’t even try to answer them. He’s not even attempting.
“I don’t think he understands it or he’s trying to get around it. Who knows?”
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