Temporary Speaker Adam Crouch said the member he ejected appeared to be “under the influence of alcohol” at the time. 

“Recently, I was put in the position where I had to remove a member from the chamber, at which time I was verbally abused for doing my job,” he said. 

“It appears to me that member may have been intoxicated at the time.”

The behavior of sitting MPs instate Parliament has been under the microscope recently following Mrs Hancock’s comments on June 21, when she called Labor MPs “idiots” after ejecting five of them from question time. 

Mrs Hancock said she was “concerned about the effect of alcohol on many members”.

However, Opposition Whip and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said she kept a “very close eye” on Opposition members and their behavior. 

She said she had not witnessed any member, on either side of politics, affected by alcohol in Parliament. 

“Sure, people after the business of the house is over, people go for dinner and go and have drinks,” Ms Watson said. 

“Of course, I have seen some people who have had maybe one or two many, but certainly not during question time and always after business is done.”

Concerned about the “lack of respect” for the chair during Parliament, Mr Crouch said the people of NSW expected better from their representatives. 

“I have to say, from my experience, there tends to be high level of respect for the Speaker’s chair from the government,” he said. 

“The people of NSW expect all parliamentarians to respect the parliament, the Speaker’s chair, and the role the speakers play.”

Manager of Opposition business Michael Daley called on Mrs Hancock to apologise for her comments, and urged her to “reconsider” her role as Speaker during the winter break. 

“Shelley Hancock needs to apologise for her unsubstantiated slur on Labor MPs – and her continued one-sided attacks,” he said. 

“I’m disappointed on behalf of all members of parliament that the Speaker would make such a low-brow accusation against her colleagues without any proof – just to cover for herself.”

Mr Crouch backed his colleague, saying Mrs Hancock’s actions were not out of line. He described her as an “outstanding Speaker”. 

“I think her decisions are explanatory. She sets a high standard from what she expects from members, and quite rightfully so,” he said.​

Kiama MP Gareth Ward backed his colleagues comments, saying members dealing with legislation “should not be drinking”.

“Ambulance officers, police and teachers can’t drink on the job, and nor should politicians,” he said. 

“Having said that, there is a dining room and I often sponsor charities who come in and have dinner or lunch with me and they enjoy a glass of wine with their meal. 

“I don’t object to visitors having a glass of wine, but I set my own standards, and they include not drinking when Parliament is sitting. 

“I love a drink after work in my own time, but if you’re dealing with legislation, you shouldn’t be drinking.”