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

Senators, today the Deputy President and I are issuing a joint statement on the conduct in the chamber this morning. The actions of senators during and after the debate on a motion moved by Senator Hanson was unparliamentary and disrespectful. A number of senators have raised this conduct with me. It is clear from video proceedings that the nature of the interjections, shouting across the chamber and reflecting on another senator are unparliamentary. It is incredibly disappointing that, three years into the implementation of the recommendations of the Jenkins review, senators appear all too ready to descend into disorder, rather than seeking to conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner. We must do better.

Although the video does not show it, I am informed that the disorder culminated in Senator Thorpe tearing up papers and throwing them at Senator Hanson. I cannot fathom any circumstances in which that kind of conduct in this Senate chamber is acceptable. Debate, of course, in this place is often lively. But senators must conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. Physically threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. It is up to each and every senator in this place to find ways to take the heat out of the chamber.

This comes just days after Senator Thorpe was asked to withdraw an earlier comment after using a phrase which senators from across the chamber have described as culturally unsafe. It also comes just days after Senator Thorpe and Senator Faruqi moved a reference to the procedure committee, seeking to improve safety and respect in the Senate chamber, which includes these senators.

I have advised the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service of the incident and I've spoken with Senators Hanson and Thorpe. I remind senators that all parliamentarians have agreed to behaviour standards for Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. We have agreed to act respectfully, professionally and with integrity.

Given that this conduct has occurred within the chamber during Senate proceedings, this is a matter for the Senate to deal with, not the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission, which oversees the parliamentarians code. Standing order 203 provides an avenue for dealing with disorderly conduct. It includes a process to enable senators to explain their conduct or apologise for it. It also provides for the Senate to determine whether senators should be suspended from the Senate for such conduct. Given the gravity of this matter, I don't intend to deal with it immediately. I will be meeting with the Deputy President and leaders of the government, the opposition and the Greens to consider this matter and next steps. Thank you, senators.