Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I'm regularly told by members of the public that the behaviour in this chamber is out of step with what modern Australia expects. People often tell me that, if they behaved like we do in their workplaces, their schools and their community centres, they would be thrown out or suspended. I know we are all genuinely concerned about social cohesion. As a country, we disagree passionately about many issues and, as politicians, we keep on asking everyone to have a robust debate but with respect. People are sick of politicians saying, 'Do as I say but not as I do.' If as a parliament we expect this from our country, then we must lead by example and start by doing it here.

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