STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Parliamentary Behaviour
28 November 2018
The PRESIDENT (09:31): Senators, when parliament resumed in August this year, we discussed certain events in June and committed to reflecting our better selves in this place, and the aspirations of those we represent rather than sliding into abuse. One of the things I said at the time was:
It is far better that positive attention is attracted by our words and contributions to debate. On several occasions in recent times, this has not been the case.
As a chamber, we did not meet this standard yesterday. I state again, unparliamentary offensive epithets and abuse have no place in this chamber. This is rightly a place of vigorous debate, but personal abuse has no place, particularly if it targets personal attributes, such as race or gender—nor does the use of abusive epithets or labels.
I will use every authority granted to me by the Senate when I personally hear such abuse, or when it is brought to my attention. But this is not just a matter of rules. This is a matter of respect. Of each other, of the institution and of those who elected us and in whose interests and names we act.
I reiterate what I said yesterday, and it’s a simple principle of decency that we should all aspire to reflect. Every senator should reflect not just on what they think they’re saying but on how it may be received or interpreted by another with a different life experience or perspective than yourself. We need to lead by example. For if we cannot debate and act civilly in this chamber then how can we expect people outside the chamber to debate and argue and disagree in a respectful manner as well.
But I will make this important point to all Australians, that while none of us here are perfect—I certainly am not—the overwhelming majority of time in this Senate does meet this test. The overwhelming majority of senators always aspire to represent the best interests and act accordingly.
Now, to the specific matter of conducting Senate business. A number of proposals have been considered to deal with what has become, frankly, the most unedifying period of the Senate day, general business. What was once a time to deal with matters that didn’t require debate or amendment has become a pseudo-debate where senators are required to vote on matters without an opportunity for discussion. What was once non-contentious is now the most combative business period. It isn’t serving its purpose and is rapidly cascading into farce.
As a means of dealing with this, I have asked the Deputy President and Procedure Committee to bring forward a temporary order that would remove the ability to debate a proposed suspension of standing orders to enable the Senate to deal with a motion if leave to do so is denied. The effect of this is simply that if formality for a motion is denied, and a suspension of standing orders is moved to ensure the motion can be dealt with, there will be no debate on that procedural motion. Obviously whether this is adopted is of course a matter for the chamber itself.
I thank senators.
[ENDS]