If there was ever any doubt that our dismal crop of politicians act out of self interest rather than principle, it was removed today when we saw the final death and burying of any hope that an honourable application of the principle of ministerial responsibility might prevail in our parliaments. The PM’s attitude has brought disgrace upon the government and relegated him to just another ordinary ‘also ran’.

Our second (greater) loss today was the hope that intelligent, moderate and considered indigenous voices might be given the respect and acknowledgment that they deserve and have been waiting so long for from our predominantly racist and xenophobic privileged few. When all hope of a cultured and enlightened hearing is taken away from a people, let no-one be surprised if division, anger and disadvantage are intensified.