MPs urged to keep debate respectful after colleague's attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 21:32 · Archive

Australian MPs are being called to conduct themselves with more respect following an alleged violent attack on a colleague.

Australian politicians are facing a reckoning over how they conduct themselves in parliament following an alleged violent attack on MP Helen Haines, who lost both legs in the incident.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick said the challenge for parliament was ensuring that disagreement remained respectful and focused on ideas and issues, even as the temperature of debate has risen. He maintained that robust debate and forthright views were a key part of politics, but the manner of conduct was crucial. 'I firmly believe there is a middle ground where people can be passionate, they can hold strong views, and they can disagree,' Mr Dick said. 'Strong views and mutual respect can coexist.'

Politicians are divided on how to stop inflammatory debate, with some suggesting Question Time should be scrapped entirely. Mr Dick rejected this approach, saying instead that social media users and journalists had a responsibility to keep conversations respectful. MPs he had spoken to were united in wanting to do better, he added.

How it is being reported

• 'There is a middle ground': MPs face a reckoningThe parliamentary presiding officer is calling on MPs to engage in respectful debate following the horrific alleged attack on one of their colleagues.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 21:01
• 'There is a middle ground': MPs face a reckoningThe parliamentary presiding officer is calling on MPs to engage in respectful debate following the horrific alleged attack on one of their colleagues.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 21:01

In this story: Milton Dick · Helen Haines · House of Representatives · Australia

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