TROUBLE IN THE HOUSE AS ABBOTT THE STIRRER STRIKES AGAIN

TONY ABBOTT'S contribution to tact is about as renowned as Attila the
Hun's legacy to table manners.

And Mr Abbott was at it again in Parliament yesterday, raising Labor's
hackles only two weeks after the Prime Minister, John Howard, urged
him to tone it down. Apropos of nothing, Mr Abbott organised to be
asked a Dorothy Dixer on illegal drugs.

After spruiking the giga-millions the Government had spent over the
years on fighting drugs, rehabilitating addicts and educating the
populace, he set about framing the Labor Leader, Kim Beazley, and the
Opposition health spokeswoman, Julia Gillard, as the junkie's best
friend.

He quoted Mr Beazley as once saying Mr Howard should not stand in the
way of a NSW Government proposal for safe heroin injecting rooms.

"This is someone who supports safe injecting rooms. This is someone
who does not back the practical policies of this Government to cut
down on illicit drug use," Mr Abbott crowed.

And on Ms Gillard, for taking a similar stance: "She is just as soft
on drugs."

As great anger emanated from the Labor benches and many Liberals
squirmed, the backbencher Dick Adams bellowed at the Speaker, David
Hawker."Show some leadership Hawker," he said.

Mr Hawker did what he does best. He threw out a Labor MP - the
frontbencher Wayne Swan.

"Republican filth machine," hissed Mr Swan as he passed the Speaker on
his way out.

Mr Swan was alluding to his belief Mr Abbott was better suited to
right-wing US politics.

Mr Beazley's ire was genuine. He rose to defend himself, saying he did
not favour illegal drugs.

"I'm in favour of solutions," he said. He then pointed out that Mr
Abbott, as the Minister for Health, was responsible for needle
distribution programs.

"You're soft on drugs, Tony, you give free needles to heroin
addicts."

Mr Abbott just chuckled. Job done. Again.