Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Transport, Roads and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Further to your comments concerning disorderly conduct in the House and the requirement for members to conduct themselves with some decorum, you have drawn to our attention page 499 of Practice. I also draw to your attention page 500 of Practice, which I think is at the core of the difficulties in the House today. It says:

In the Chamber and the Main Committee Members may not be referred to by name, but by the name of their electoral division, or by the title of their parliamentary or ministerial office.

Importantly, Practice then goes on to say:

The purpose of this rule is to make debate less personal and avoid the direct confrontation of Members addressing one another as ‘you’.

Further, it goes on to say:

A degree of formality helps the House remain more dignified and tolerant when political views clash and passions may be inflamed.

In the light of today’s proceedings and your comments a minute ago, I request that you reflect over the break on page 500 of Practice and your requirements under the standing orders to intervene when you think it is appropriate, not just when a member thinks a comment has been made which is disorderly, so as to maintain decorum and proper conduct in this House, having regard to page 500 of Practice.

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