Australia’s major political parties have voted down a proposal to establish a parliamentary inquiry into racism and sexism in the Senate, rejecting a motion put forward by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi and independent senator Lidia Thorpe.
The motion sought to refer the issue to the Senate’s procedure committee to examine whether parliamentary rules should be changed to better address racist and sexist conduct in the upper house.
Faruqi and Thorpe attempted to revive an inquiry that had originally been agreed to in November 2024, when Labor supported a proposal using similar language.
That inquiry, however, never convened and ultimately lapsed when the new parliament began following the federal election.
During debate on the motion, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the government acknowledged concerns about deteriorating standards of behaviour in the Senate but argued the proposed inquiry would not provide an effective solution.
“The government agrees that the conduct and behaviour of senators in this place has deteriorated to an unacceptable level,” Gallagher said.
“However, we do not believe that the motion simply referring this matter to the procedure committee of the Senate is a solution to remedy that behaviour.”
Gallagher also argued that maintaining order in the chamber ultimately rested with senators themselves and the parliamentary processes already in place.
“When a senator behaves in a disorderly way, it’s up to the chamber to manage this behaviour,” she said.
She also encouraged senators supporting the motion to reflect on their own conduct during parliamentary debates.
The rejection prompted strong criticism from Faruqi, who accused the major parties of failing to take meaningful action to address racism within federal politics.
In a statement following the vote, Faruqi said the decision demonstrated a gap between public statements condemning racism and parliamentary action.
“Labor pretends to be affronted when we call out their inaction on racism, but happily vote down a motion to improve behaviour standards and safety in the Senate,” she said.
Faruqi also argued that racism within political debate had become embedded in policy approaches adopted by major parties.
“Racism in parliament is no longer just the remit of One Nation and the fringe, it is built into the policies of both major parties,” she said.
Thorpe, who co-sponsored the motion, said senators from minority backgrounds had frequently experienced racist remarks in parliamentary debate.
“Racism in the Senate chamber is routine,” Thorpe said.
“Senators dogwhistle and demonise people of colour in speeches. Racist sledging and comments have been directed at senators of colour like Mehreen and I.”
Thorpe said parliament should take a leadership role in confronting racism as incidents of discrimination and threats against minority communities increase nationally.
“This parliament needs to be setting the standard for the rest of the country on racism, and taking a clear stance against it,” she said.
“Today, Labor has failed that test.”
The debate highlights ongoing tensions in the Senate over standards of conduct and how parliamentary rules should address allegations of racism, sexism and harassment within the chamber.
1 Comment
When ANY member of parliament behaves in a less than acceptable manner, instead of the Speaker crying “Order, order” repeatedly, throw the disorderly member out!! After a few times being chucked out, their electorate might realize what a mistake it has made. A schoolroom has more order than parliament in session!!