Labor leader Bill Shorten has labeled right wing Liberal politician Cory Bernardi a “homophobe” after the South Australian senator interrupted his media conference.

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Mr Shorten was speaking to the media about the Prime Minister’s decision to launch an investigation into the anti-bullying program following a campaign from the Australian Christian Lobby and conservative politicians who have claimed the program indoctornates students into the LGBTIQ+ lifestyle.

The South Australian senator interjected and told Mr Shorten “At least I’m honest, Bill, you’re a fraud.” Mr Shorten hit back saying “At least I’m not a homophobe, mate.”

Mr Shorten defended the program saying students had a right to go to school and not be bullied because of their sexuality or gender identity.

SBS’s David Sharaz has posted a video of the exchange. 

Investigation into program helping LGBTI school students starts a fight with @billshortenmp and Bernardi. #auspol pic.twitter.com/vDI07lyQ5H

— David Sharaz (@DavidSharaz) February 23, 2016

Mr Bernardi took to Twitter to voice his disappointment at the Opposition Leader’s remarks.

“It’s disappointing someone seeking to be PM resorts to name calling when confronted with a different policy view.”

The senators comments drew a wide range of responses, with many people highlighting that he’d interjected in Mr Shorten’s press conference and suggested the Labor leader was not honest.

Later in the day Mr Bernardi spoke in the senate saying Mr Shorten’s response was his “Mark Latham moment”.

Green’s Senator Janet Rice said Mr Bernardi’s recent speech outlining his concern about the Safe School’s program were the late night ramblings of a homophobic dinosaur.

It’s disappointing someone seeking to be PM resorts to name calling when confronted with a different policy view. @billshortenmp

— Cory Bernardi (@corybernardi) February 24, 2016

@shanebazzi @corybernardi Yep. You’re basically the poster boy for Homophobes. I’m surprised you’re surprised.

— Eddie Perfect (@Eddieperfect) February 24, 2016

@corybernardi Cory, are you homophobic? And if you answer “no”, could you provide evidence to support your response?

— Graham Perrett (@GrahamPerrettMP) February 24, 2016

@corybernardi @billshortenmp didn’t you call him a fraud first buddy? #marriageequality

— Bonnie lythgoe (@bonnie_lythgoe) February 24, 2016

@corybernardi Sometimes you need to call a homophobe a homophobe, you homophobe.@billshortenmp

— Nick Names Nuts (@nicknamesnuts) February 24, 2016

@corybernardi its not name-calling, it’s describing you accurately with a word

— Bec Shaw (@Brocklesnitch) February 24, 2016