Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I have a question for you, Mr Speaker. I am seeking your advice in relation to standing order 100(d)(i), building on the point of order by the member for Kooyong yesterday. Over the last few months, a number of questions in question time have referenced the nationalities of alleged criminals. In many cases the nationality was not strictly necessary to make the question intelligible. As the daughter of a migrant, I am concerned that such references may lead to discrimination and targeting against different migrant communities and that it can undermine our social cohesion. For the clarity of the House, I would like your advice on whether it is out of order under standing order 100(d)(i) to mention the specific nationality—or, frankly, other characteristics, such as religion or sexuality—if those details are not strictly necessary to make the question intelligible.

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