Senator Coonan also landed herself in-hot-water with the media last week making a comment after the ministerial summit- which she was later forced to defend–that accident victims who might be depressed need to “get over it” and return to work.

The mental health sector called for her sacking, but Senator Coonan came back with a statement saying her comments were “taken out of context”.

“It is unfortunate if my comments have offended anyone,” she said. “That was certainly not intended.”