Ben Fordham has declared Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie’s speech opposing an anti-vaccination mandate bill “one of the best” parliament has heard this year.

In the extraordinary speech, Ms Lambie blasted One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson’s bill as a fear campaign and “a grab for cash and seats”.

“Having the freedom to choose isn’t the same as having the freedom to avoid the consequences of that choice.

“If you want to work in aged care, you need to have a flu vaccine, and that rule has been in place before COVID-19 was even a twinkle in a Chinese bat’s eye for goodness’ sake!

“You have a right to choose, you don’t have a right to put vulnerable people’s lives at risk.”

Every Australian who's been vaccinated is a hero. You have done your bit to fight for those who can't fight for themselves.

That's mateship. It's who we are. pic.twitter.com/gZdBMbIlG1

— Jacqui Lambie (@JacquiLambie) November 22, 2021

Ms Lambie told Ben she was representing the needs of her Tasmanian constituency when she tore into the bill and One Nation.

“They’re really starting to feel the heat, they just want to get back to normal life as quickly as possible.

“They know like I do there is no other frontline defence [besides vaccination].”

The Senator said Ms Hanson’s fear-based election strategy “really bothers” her.

“I will not play Russian Roulette with people’s lives.

“If Pauline Hanson wants to do that … she can cope with that on her conscience.

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