The stern reprimand has come from Opposition Sen. Terry Lister .

He said he had been "appalled'' by the way senators hurled abuse around the table.

"I demand this sort of behaviour be removed from this place.'' He went on the offensive at the end of Monday's Senate.

Particularly in his sights was Government Senate leader and Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons .

Sen. Simons had driven him to fury by an earlier jibe.

He claimed speaking after Sen. Lister was like walking behind animals at a circus with a "pail and shovel''. He withdrew the remark after Sen. Lister protested.

Sen. Lister later described it as "the lowest'' insult he had ever been subjected to.

Sen. Michael Winfield (UBP) said Sen. Lister had to understand the cut and thrust of politics.

It was important for him not to over-react to a single remark.

Sen. Simons said he apologised.

There was always a risk of stepping over the bounds of acceptable behaviour during the heat of debate.