Well, they say no two days are the same in the hallowed
halls of Parliament House, and I can attest to that first hand. Having spent
the better part of two consecutive days sitting in the Public Gallery in the
House of Representatives chamber, there are only three things I can say stayed
the same on both days. The pollies coming and going, the press gallery journos
coming in for the hour and a half of Question Time and me sitting directly
across from Annabel Crabb during Question Time (Whoop Whoop!!). Other than
that, my two days could not have been more different – but both equally
incredible.
Today the weather was overcast, but still the Parliament
building stood tall and proud. Heading straight up the left side of the
building and cloaking my bag, electronics, pens and paper I headed into the
green chamber once again. Hearing from the Leader of the Opposition Bill
Shorten, The Member for Lindsay Fiona Scott, The Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt
and others, I could not get over, this is what government and the real workings
of parliament look like. Yes there are disagreements, fights, differing of
opinion and party lines but at the end of the day it is the elected members,
chosen by the electorate that make up the true essence of politics, giving
speeches and debating legislation.
After being allowed back into the chamber for Question Time
(the public galleries are cleared from 1pm -1.30pm), the public gets to listen
to 90 second statements, which seek to bring to light any issues members feel
are important. Today they ranged from Cervical Cancer to the Adelaide Heatwave
to the Toyota job losses to surf lifesavers. While I have always known they
have existed today I found a real appreciation for them, as they allow members
to speak on important issues while keeping the reports to concise little bits.
I found it an informative exercise and I think that the public should be more
aware these statements exist given the overall lacking interest in all things
political by the general population.
By golly Question Time was fun! After yesterday’s less than
impressive show, I was hesitant to go back and do it all again, but I am so
glad I did. On the 6th Anniversary of Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s
sorry speech the House of Reps stood to attention. After indulgencies from the Prime Minister and
the Leader of the Opposition, it was time to get down to business. The sedate
boring Question Time was nowhere to be seen, and within the first 15 minutes the
topics of job losses, the new rising unemployment rate over 6% and the strength
of the economy had all been raised. As well as the heightened use of Standing
Order 94A which saw Labor Front Benches, Kate Ellis Member for Adelaide,
Anthony Albanese Member for Grayndler and Catherine King Member for Ballarat
all booted within the first 15 minutes. 10 Minutes later Mark Dreyfus Member
for Isaacs booted, and before the session had ended The Members for Moreton,
Gellibrand and Charlton were also forced to vacate the chamber. Although, if I am
honest I was quite surprised many more Opposition Members were not booted. A
question from the sole Greens Member Adam Bandt, Member for Melbourne, to the
Prime Minister today broke the Liberal/National and Labor bickering but not for
long. Further exciting the atmosphere, the Member for Kennedy made a late
appearance in the Chamber sitting next to Independent Andrew Wilkie.
Having watched many many Question Times live streamed from inside
classes, libraries and homes over the years, I find I am conflicted as to
whether or not it was better being there in person or live streaming it and
being able to converse with people all over the country at the same time. One
of the many highlights to my day was sitting next to a man who smuggled a
pencil into the chamber and let me borrow it during the session – all I can say
is I am glad I was not kicked out!
My two days spent in the House of Representatives was well
worth the trip and I seriously cannot wait to do it all over again!
No comments:
Post a Comment