Burke laments parliamentary behaviour

Updated: 09:35, Friday June 1, 2012

The MP presiding over the proceedings of federal parliament has never seen it as bad as it is now and has blamed the hung parliament for the level of personal attacks.

Deputy Speaker Anna Burke, who is sitting in the chair vacated by Speaker Peter Slipper until he’s cleared of criminal allegations and a civil claim, has been responsible for keeping order in a ‘pretty brutal’ House of Representatives.

Ms Burke says the mood of parliament has reached a level of intensity and personal vitriol she hasn’t seen during her 14 years in the lower house.

She’s told ABC Radio a couple of times during the week she’s wanted to hurl some abuse as well but she can’t do that anymore.