Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week has been a particularly combative week in the chamber, and this behaviour does not reflect well on the House. I shouldn't have to say this, seeing as I've already made a statement, but further incidents have occurred. It leaves me with no other choice.

The standing orders have been changed. I want all members to understand that I won't hesitate in using the naming powers I have. Of course in parliamentary debates members will have differing opinions, even in question time. That is to be expected. But the House has to find ways of engaging in debate that maintain respectful behaviours. We have a shared responsibility to display exemplary leadership. Regardless of the challenges inside this chamber or the challenges outside the chamber, we must exercise that shared responsibility to ensure people are always treated with the highest standards of respect.

We all know that everyone is looking to the parliament and looking to us. They have expectations of how we speak and how we behave towards each other. If recent reforms for behaviour codes and standards at parliament are truly to be meaningful, then we must act with intent to set the standard for an inclusive, respectful and professional workplace in Parliament House and across Australia. I'm asking all members to rise to this challenge.

Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Link to 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.

Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can everyone have a go?

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Member for O'Connor, I cannot believe you just said that.