Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I echo the words of Senator Wong in terms of the deep concern at the behaviour that pursues attention seeking and, in the pursuit of attention seeking, brings this chamber into disrespect and reflects poorly upon the conduct of senators through the actions of just a few.

In relation to Senator Thorpe, let me be clear: this motion is not about what she said and it is not about her right to say it or her views. Those we defend. But it is about the conduct that was undertaken and the disruptive, disorderly and disrespectful approach that reflected so poorly upon all senators and this chamber and brought us into disrepute. That is why it is worthy and warranted of censure. Our urging of all senators remains to engage thoughtfully in the issues to find ways to pursue them. We are all provided with a platform to speak, unlike anything that almost any other Australian enjoys. We should use that platform with not only respect and care but, indeed, passion to pursue our views, no matter how vehemently each of us may disagree with them or, indeed, occasionally be offended by them.

President, in relation to Senator Thorpe, I also reference the controversy that followed in the days after the King's visit. As you're aware, I wrote to you in relation to both what occurred in the Great Hall and Senator Thorpe's conduct at that time. I thank you for agreeing to the Procedure Committee considering that incident and look forward to the deliberations of that committee in considering how it is that this Senate may best uphold the importance of the opportunities provided for this parliament and governments of the day to give opportunities to visiting dignitaries, be they our head of state, the reigning sovereign and monarch, or visiting dignitaries in the form of heads of other countries or governments of other countries.

The actions and the increasing pattern we've seen of disruptive conduct endanger the ability of governments of the day to provide that platform without visiting guests believing that they may be disrespected and that their visit may be brought into disrepute. Considering, through the procedure committee, those opportunities for this chamber to have greater power, outside of its own sittings, over formal occasions of the parliament to be able to try to discourage and remove the incentive for senators to behave in such disrespectful and disorderly ways is, I think, an important thing.

The other aspect of the controversy that flowed on in the days after that event was in relation to Senator Thorpe's statements about her affirmation of office and the compliance with that with regard to section 42 of the Constitution. President, I appreciate your reply to me. I invite you, at an appropriate time, to ensure that the chamber is informed such that this is properly on the public record with regard to the assessment by you, on advice from the Clerk and after consideration of the legal principles. Many of us have, unfortunately, lived through the disruptions in relation to eligibility requirements for election to this parliament. Section 42 goes to a different matter in relation to eligibility to take up a seat in the chamber following election. It is, nonetheless, a very important one.

I am sure that, like me, all senators have received a vast volume of correspondence from people concerned about what appeared to be a statement denying that the proper affirmation had taken place. That is very serious. Equally, we appreciate the constitutional duties and responsibilities that you have to uphold the terms of the Constitution, as interpreted and applied within relevant acts, and our standing orders as they are set out. That is why I think it is critical for you to place on the record the assessment that has been undertaken such that all senators are able to refer to that in the correspondence and reassurance they give to constituents about the validity of every person to sit and exercise their votes in this place.