Good blokes or smug thugs

They are also vindictive. Cross a TAT and you will be punished. Soon after the recent failed spill motion, an outspoken supporter of Tony Abbott, Scott Buchholz, replaced Philip Ruddock as party whip. Philip Ruddock went quietly. Not so Gillian Triggs. Professor Triggs refused to resign. She continues to speak about the plight of children in detention.

I call on all of us who are victims or witnesses of bullying to similarly take a firm stand. The next time our views are attacked, dismissed or ridiculed, we should stay put and stay on message.

A TAT recently told me to "shut up" before abruptly leaving the room and slamming the door. He told me that my views are "offensive". When I later received a hurtful email, I was told that the email was "only factual and honest".

The next time I am on the receiving end of a TAT attack, I will ask him to "settle down". When he responds aggressively to my views, I will substantiate my views. If he treats me dismissively, or attributes malicious motives, I will name his behaviour for what it is: a technique to negate my views.

Now that the tantrum towards Gillian Triggs has passed, it is time for our government to provide a substantive response to the Human Rights Commission's report and its recommendations. If the issue of children in detention and Australia's obligations under international law continue to be ignored, it will be at our peril.