Enforcing proper parliamentary behaviour

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
For how long must a nation tarry, while all kinds of histrionics and disgusting gamesmanship are being manifested by some members of the combined opposition in Parliament?
In Australia, an opposition member was ejected from the parliament for calling the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, “corrupt” in the Australian Workers Union scandal. The defiant culprit, later said the prime minister had “legitimate questions” to answer. His prevarication did not suffice though. In fact, he was most noxious in his performance and later withdrew his “corrupt” bedaubing, but he was still hauled out of the parliament.
Then how about Jo-Ann Miller, who was sent out after being accused of refusing to bow to the acting speaker of the house in Queensland. She is known for her theatrical and often impassioned deliveries in the parliament, and also of persistently’ not bowing when entering the parliament’s chamber.
So Speaker Raphael Trotman should have indeed acted within his vested authority. He should have ordered the rowdy opposition members to leave the House and let matters continue uninterrupted. The Speaker knows that bringing a no-confidence motion against a minister, without notice on the same day of having the debate is in total violation of Standing Order rules and norms.
Time and money are being wasted and I think that some semblance of sanity and legality must now be re-ushered into Parliament. The opposition must be seriously disciplined.
Yours,
Clairmonte DaSilva

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