A SENIOR Labor MP has refused to deny that he was drunk while debating major changes to the NSW workers compensation system this morning, after his angry outburst had him ejected from the parliament.

Shadow Treasurer Michael Daley, who replaced Bob Carr as Labor Member for Maroubra in 2005, was caught on camera slurring his speech, leaning heavily on the lectern and looking confused as he delivered his speech against the WorkCover reforms at 2.30am.

Following a rambling statement he targeted Speaker Shelley Hancock, challenging her to eject him from the chamber.

"If you wish to silence me from speaking on this bill that goes to the heart of what we believe in then remove me or you remain silent Madam Speaker," Mr Daley is heard shouting.

After several warnings the Sergeant of Arms was called in to physically remove Mr Daley.

Video of the incident captured Premier Barry O'Farrell calling out to the opposition to provide a sober speaker for the debate which had dragged on for more than 8 hours.

"Disgraceful. Can you find a sober speaker on that side," Mr O'Farrell can be heard saying.

It was alleged that Mr Daley was seen drinking from about 8pm, first in the parliamentary bar, and then in his office, before returning late to the chamber when the time came to vote on the law change.

The incident came shortly before the legislation formally passed with a late amendment by the Greens to exempt firefighters, paramedics and coalminers from the changes.

It followed a series of protests by unions - over changes that cap benefits and medical expenses and axe claims for journeys to and from work - which culminated in the first general strike by NSW firefighters in 56 years.

Ms Hancock said she was nervous about what to expect following several reports that Mr Daley and two other MP's had been drinking all evening, but still "wasn't ready for the onslaught I received from him."

"It's not about intimidation, even of a woman, it's about a total lack of respect for the Speaker," Ms Hancock said.

"It was a really ugly, emotionally violent action by Michael Daley. It was just awful."

Mr Daley last night refused to deny that he was drunk, accusing the Premier of "trying to distract people from the impacts these terrible workers compensation changes will have on real people."

"The debate over these laws last night was robust and I expressed my views passionately however if I offended the speaker, that was not my intention, and I apologise," he said last night in a statement.



Originally published as Ejected MP may have been drunk