Parliamentary Procedure

Members' Behaviour

The PRESIDENT (14:19): Some members may recall that in June 2020 I made a statement in the council concerning the behaviour of members in this chamber. In that statement I quoted one of my predecessors, the Hon. Anne Levy AO, who in 1988 shared her concerns about the standard of behaviour of members at that time. Those observations remain relevant today.

While robust debate has long been a feature of Westminster parliaments, such debate must be undertaken with adherence to the standing orders and appropriate language, behaviour and decorum conducive to proper consideration of parliamentary business.

Yesterday in the chamber we witnessed a heated debate that stretched those thresholds. Members of this chamber have often been exemplary in displaying respectful behaviour during sometimes difficult debates. I feel it often sets us apart. I would remind members of the need to adhere to the rules of debate, to address their remarks through the Chair and maintain the standards of behaviour befitting this council.