Pauline Hanson’s Senate Burqa Stunt; Labor And Greens Give Brandis A Standing Ovation

Aug 17, 2017

Pauline Hanson today staged an anti-burqa stunt during Question Time in the Senate.

The One Nation leader appeared in a burqa at 2.06pm. The Senate President, Senator Stephen Parry, said that her identity had been verified by parliamentary staff.

At 2.09pm, as online and social media began reporting on Hanson’s behaviour, Senator Derryn Hinch raised a point of order regarding dress requirements in the chamber.

At 2.25pm, Hanson rose to ask the Government Leader and Attorney-General, Senator George Brandis, whether the government would legislate to ban the burqa. Brandis delivered a stinging rebuke to Hanson and received a standing ovation from ALP and Greens senators.

Hanson used a supplementary question to ask whether the government would ban the burqa in the houses of parliament. Senate President Parry took the question, pointing out that such decisions are the province of the presiding officers.

The ALP leader, Senator Penny Wong, said she would like to have moved a motion of congratulations for Senator Brandis,

After her question, Hanson left the chamber.

  • 2.06pm: Watch Senate President Stephen Parry make the first reference to Hanson’s appearance in a burqa (1m)
  • 2.09pm: Watch Senator Derryn Hinch’s point of order (1m)
  • 2.25pm: Watch Hanson’s question to Brandis (7m)

Hansard transcript of Senate Question Time proceedings.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Duniam, a supplementary question.

Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania) (14:06): What risks are there in a registered organisation donating money to the political campaigns of its own staff?

Senator Hanson having entered the chamber —

Senator DUNIAM: What on earth?

Honourable senators interjecting— [Read more…]

Filed Under: One Nation, Question Time, Senate, Video Tagged With: , , , , ,

Jacqui Lambie Asks Her First Question As A Senator; Wants Billions And Special Economic Zone For Tasmania

Jul 08, 2014

Senator Jacqui Lambie was the first of the new crossbench members to ask a question during Senate Question Time today.

Lambie

Lambie, a Palmer United Party senator from Tasmania, asked the Leader of the Government, Senator Eric Abetz about jobs and the Tasmanian economy. She said she wanted to see $5 billion made available to Tasmania over 4 years and called for a “special economic zone” to be established. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Audio, Palmer United Party, Question Time, Senate, Video Tagged With: , ,

Budget Dominates Question Time; Repair Job Or Massive Deceit?

May 14, 2014

The Federal Budget was the dominant issue during Question Time in the House of Representatives today.

The government sought to portray the Budget as an economic repair job on the mess left by the previous Labor government, whilst the Opposition maintained it was a massive deceit of the electorate. [Read more…]

Filed Under: A.L.P., Abbott, Audio, Budget, Question Time, Video Tagged With: , ,

Clive Palmer’s First Parliamentary Question: Is My Phone Bugged?

Dec 04, 2013

In his first question in the House of Representatives, Clive Palmer has asked whether his phone is bugged.

Revelations of Australian intelligence agencies tapping the phones of the Indonesian president and his wife have resulted in a crisis in Australia’s relations with Indonesia. Debate continues in some quarters around the role played by the ABC in publishing intelligence documents stolen by Edward Snowden.

Palmer asked whether “any crossbench members, including me, are having their phones and emails tapped” by any State or Commonwealth agencies.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott played a dead bat in his response, reiterating his earlier statements that the government does not comment on intelligence matters, although he pointed out that proper authorisation is required for phone tapping.

Palmer delivered his maiden speech earlier this week.

  • Watch Palmer’s questions (3m)
Filed Under: Abbott, Intelligence, Palmer United Party, Question Time, Video Tagged With: , , ,
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