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Dave Hughes takes swipe at Derryn Hinch

Comedian Dave Hughes has called veteran broadcaster Derryn Hinch a “wanker” for liking the taste of wine.

The insult came during a discussion about Tony Abbot’s controversial beer skol turned to a debate about Australia’s binge drinking culture.

"I drank because I loved the taste of wine," Hinch said.

"That's because you're a wanker," Hughes quipped.

"It takes one to know one," Hinch's said.

Broadcaster Derryn Hinch. Photo: ABC
Broadcaster Derryn Hinch. Photo: ABC

Hughes told the panel that he stopped drinking and smoking cannabis at 22 after getting depression.

"I don't drink at all. I think the toughest man at the pub is surrounded by a group of drinkers and says, 'no, I'll be right'," he said.

Hinch, a man on his second liver, agreed and said: "Down, down down. If that makes you an Aussie bloke, I don't want to be one."

The exchange was part of rowdy Q&A program, which included noisy protests from Trade Pacific Partnership protesters.


Darwin boy Ethan Egart, who made a video question to raise awareness of the plight of his 10-year-old autistic friend, won the hearts and minds of the panel.

"On the 27th of April our government is going to deport a 10-year-old boy who is perfectly normal in every way. He can read and ride a bike. But he has autism. I went to after-school care with this boy and he can't speak - but he can use sign language to communicate with us. If he can get along with us and we can get along with him, why does he have to leave?"

Host Tony Jones explained the boy in question, the son of a nurse from the Philippines who has lived in Australia for eight years, was at risk of being deported because he is potentially deemed a burden on the national health system.