Senate debates Statements

Parliamentary Standards


Lidia Thorpe

Lidia Thorpe Victoria, Independent

3:36 pm

I've been dragged in here to withdraw something I said in the chamber yesterday, so I withdraw.

Sue Lines

Sue Lines President

Senator Thorpe, I'm going to ask you to address the chamber correctly. You've been asked to come in. You were asked yesterday—

Senator Thorpe, please don't interrupt me. You were asked to withdraw yesterday, and you were asked again this morning.

Lidia Thorpe

Lidia Thorpe Victoria, Independent

I'm withdrawing. Thank you.

Sue Lines

Sue Lines President

Thank you, Senator Thorpe. I would just like to add, in relation to the language used, that senators from across the chamber have expressed their concerns to me, making it clear that the language was not culturally safe. Earlier this week, the Senate agreed to a reference co-sponsored by Senators Thorpe and Faruqi. It referenced the need to improve safety and respect in the Senate chamber. I would encourage Senator Thorpe and all senators to reflect on the language used in this place and their role in improving the safety and respect in the Senate.