Wednesday, 15 May 2024

Samantha Ratnam: On a point of order, President, can I seek some clarity on your previous request for us to remove keffiyehs, which I understood. But I understood after that there was some conversation about other symbolism, including earrings that represent the watermelon, which is a symbol that people ascribe meaning to. I just note that there are a number of members in this chamber wearing various badges, and I do not know what they are about. What is the definition that you are seeking to make a ruling on regarding this?

 The PRESIDENT (09:50): Thank you, Dr Ratnam, for that point of order. I suppose I put it to the chamber, and I did not have any adverse commentary back to me when I did, that if there are certain badges for which you think there is pretty much a consensus on the view of what that badge represents – as in Daffodil Day, Anzac Day or even the Neil Daniher event today – I think the chamber should be pretty relaxed about it. Back when there were greater presidents than me, who used to wear wigs, a long time ago, the wearing of badges was completely ruled out. I think we have got to a point where if it is a cause we can all get behind or we reasonably think everybody can get behind, we should be relaxed about it. If it is symbolism – and I am not making a commentary on the symbolism – that you could reasonably expect the whole chamber is not behind, then I think it is a fair ruling to say that that should not be worn. It is similar to a concern that was put to me at the time around people wearing ‘yes’ badges for the referendum, where there were clearly a number of members in this chamber who did not believe that voting yes was a consensus. I hope that is helpful.