Christian Democratic Party leader Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile MLC has dismissed as "jealous whingeing" an attack by Lee Rhiannon MLC of the Greens upon his appointment as Assistant Deputy President of the Legislative Council.

"I am proud to accept this appointment, where I can assist the President and the Council, just as I am proud to be the longest serving current member of Australia’s first House of Parliament," said Reverend Nile, who first entered the Legislative Council on 19 September 1981.

"Lee Rhiannon’s false claim that the Government is trying to buy my vote reflects the ignorant bitterness of the Greens," said Reverend Fred Nile. "The Government has made this appointment taking into account my exemplary non-partisan committee service, including as Temporary Chair of Committees, where I have regularly served as Acting Deputy President over many years in the President’s Chair."

Reverend Nile concluded: "Christian Democratic Party parliamentarians each assess all legislation on its merits. My appointment will make no difference to the voting patterns, and this is obvious to everyone in Parliament other than the Greens."