Trish Crossin (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I have a question to raise with you. I understand that a decision has been made to permanently close and dismantle the Women in Parliament display and exhibition, which is currently on the first floor of the Senate side in this building. I further understand that this information will now only be seen online or in a booklet publication, so I ask you—

Kay Patterson (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Patterson interjecting—

Trish Crossin (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We ask—thank you, Senator Patterson—on behalf of perhaps all women parliamentarians in this place: can you please inform the Senate who made this decision and why there was no consultation about this decision? I also ask: what is the reason for this decision? And, given that women only constitute 28.3 per cent of this parliament, why will this government not support continuing this display on public view and complement the display with any online or printed information? I also ask: will the pictures or paintings of Speakers or Presidents in this building also be removed and placed online, just like the women will be?

Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, on a point of order: I make the point that it is not appropriate for you to be asked about the government’s position. You are here as the Presiding Officer of the Senate. I presume the question is not meant to be to you in relation to the government. If it is a question to the government, the senator should ask for the government’s position, but you may answer in your capacity as the Presiding Officer.

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Crossin, as you are well aware, I have only been in this position for four weeks and I am still acquainting myself with many decisions that have been made over the past period of months. This is not an issue that I have seen. It is not a question that has been asked of me before. I can promise you that I will look into it, get back to you and answer you comprehensively.