Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before we go to question time, I am going to make a short statement on a matter that the Deputy President referred to me. The Deputy President referred a matter to me arising out of senators' statements today. A point of order was taken asking whether wearing the Australian flag over a senator's jacket amounted to the use of a prop. If I recall correctly—and I will have this checked—a senator has been permitted to wear a garment bearing a replica of the Indigenous flag, partly on the basis that the Senate has ordered the display of that flag in the chamber. It may be that the same principle applies here. However, noting the contribution of senators to the point of order, I intend to refer the matter to the procedure committee for discussion. Until the procedure committee can discuss the matter, I endorse the direction of the Deputy President earlier today that senators should not wear any flags as a garment to avoid setting a precedent.