Foreword

The release of Set the Standard was not only cause for reflection but also an opportunity for action. The Procedure Committee saw a role for itself in helping to implement two of the report’s recommendations, by reviewing the practices and procedures of the House with a view to improving safety, respect and inclusiveness and by examining the House’s sitting pattern and hours.

The Chamber environment is a unique one. The effectiveness of debate is dependent on the principle of freedom of speech. But this does not imply that the tone and tenor of debate need not be respectful. Indeed, the House has used its constitutional power to make its own rules to proscribe objectionable words and disorderly conduct in its standing orders. A principal role of the Speaker, as Chair of proceedings, is to balance the rights of Members with the need for order.

The Speaker already has considerable power to rule that language and behaviour of the type described in Set the Standard is disorderly and to impose sanctions. However, the Committee considers that there is scope to clarify what is unparliamentary and strengthen the Speaker’s power to impose sanctions. The Committee considers there is scope to improve Members’ understanding of the standing orders and to increase awareness of how to raise concerns so they can be addressed.

Developing the annual sitting program and the order of business is another question of balance. Given Australia’s geography and demography, many Members travel long distances to reach Canberra and so are keen to make the most of their time in Parliament House. But, as Set the Standard made clear, long days and fatigue are not healthy. Members are juggling responsibilities to their electorates and their families at the same time. The Committee looked at the different factors at play as well as at the changes made over recent Parliaments to improve the span of sitting hours and when Members need to be in Parliament House. It considers that an effective balance has been achieved between the competing priorities but will maintain a watching brief over the rest of the 47th Parliament in case further calibrations can be made.

The Procedure Committee’s remit is narrow, focusing on the practices and procedures of the House. Therefore the scope of its inquiry was necessarily confined. However, the Committee is very aware of the other work that has been underway to address other recommendations from Set the Standard—such as the development of codes of conduct—and has sought to situate its recommendations within the broader context of implementation across the Parliament.

In looking at the current rules and practices of the House, we were grateful to hear from both very experienced and newer Members, as well as former Speakers and others. Meeting with Speakers of other parliaments was invaluable in helping the Committee understand how other parliaments approached questions of unparliamentary language and disorderly behaviour.

Set the Standard built a case for change across Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces. The recommendations in this report aim to create change in the Chamber itself—by strengthening the Speaker’s powers, clarifying expectations and improving Members’ understanding—and to raise the standard in the House.

Hon Shayne Neumann MP

Chair