Evidence and bulldust, and why politicians should know better

Parliamentary privilege allows politicians to speak freely, robustly and, sometimes, irresponsibly without fear of being sued for libel.

A different standard applies, however, when a politician ventures to comment on medical matters while in the community, be it at a public gathering or on TV.

Here there is a responsibility to ensure politicians are not jeopardising lives. Not causing undue anxiety – a duty to take care. Like doctors, they must do no harm.       

So when Senator