Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I congratulate you on your elevation to high office. Well done. I just want to raise a matter with you, which I flagged. On page 162 of the Practice, it outlines the standards of dress and conduct in the chamber by members. Can the Speaker please advise if there have been any changes to the Practice for the 47th Parliament, and, if not, will the Speaker see that the standards, as outlined in the Practice, are adhered to by all members?

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Chief Opposition Whip. As it is outlined in the Practice, on page 163:

While the standard of dress in the Chamber is a matter for the individual judgment of each Member, the ultimate discretion rests with the Speaker … In a statement to the House in 1999, Speaker Andrew noted that Members had traditionally chosen to dress in a formal manner similar to that generally accepted in business and professional circles, and that this was entirely appropriate …

The standard has been endorsed by subsequent Speakers, and I seek to affirm the same standard. Members should choose to dress in a formal manner in keeping with business and professional standards. If a member is not clear on what that means, I would ask them to write to me or speak to me personally.