Explosive Upper House debate over PCH gender diversity gets feisty with Nick Goiran labelled as ‘Fuhrer’

A Labor MP has apologised after likening Liberal powerbroker Nick Goiran to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler during an explosive debate in State Parliament.

Jewish Liberal MP Simon Ehrenfeld was presiding over debate in the Upper House on Perth Children’s Hospital’s gender diversity service when he was called to rule on a point of order during a speech by One Nation MP Rod Caddies, accusing Labor of “hiding” from debate over gender dysphoria.

Labor MLC Sandra Carr was the first to interject, when Mr Ehrenfeld appeared to look towards the Opposition benches and Mr Goiran.

“Don’t bow to your leader,” she said.

Labor MLC Klara Andric, seated next to her, then exclaimed: “Fuhrer!”.

Mr Goiran complained that Government MP’s had been allowed to speak without interruption and “you can’t have it both ways”, but didn’t immediately protest the language.

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas later did.

“It was deliberately and outrageously offensive,” he said.

“The Premier must commit to ensuring today’s offensive anti-Semitic behaviour by Klara Andric is never repeated by Labor Members of Parliament.”

Two hours after the outburst, Ms Andric issued a brief apology.

“I made a comment earlier today during a motion on notice in this place, I would like to formally withdraw that comment and unreservedly apologise to that member,” she said.

Government Leader in the Legislative Council Stephen Dawson added that Ms Andric has been “counselled”.

“The comment was inappropriate and clearly unparliamentary,” he said.

“I understand the member has also personally apologised to Mr Goiran following the comments. I expect all government members and members of the Legislative Council to conduct themselves with integrity and respect.

“This parliament deals with sensitive issues and all members should hold themselves to the highest standard.”

The Legislative Council has agreed to sit for an extra week as the Cook Government tries to pass its priority legislation before the Summer break.

Parliament was due to rise on December 4, but will now sit the following week, as debate over new surrogacy laws continues into a third week.

The Government is also aiming to pass the State Development Bill that Premier Roger Cook has called a “priority”, as well as legislation to extend the banned drinkers register and terrorism laws that must be updated by the end of the year.