Outgoing Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon has slammed the decline in standards in parliament, saying they had gotten “much worse” since he was first elected more than 20 years ago.
The veteran member for Hunter, who is not recontesting the next election, also called for the end of “stupid” Dorothy Dixers during Question Time.
Dorothy Dixers are rehearsed or planted questions to ministers by government backbenchers that take place during Question Time.
“Is there anything else in this place that drags us down in the marketplace more than Dorothy Dixers, it is just ridiculous,” he said in his final speech to the lower house.
“Full marks to the first person who does something about that.”
He suggested giving the opposition the first 10 questions and the government backbenchers the next 10.
Question Time – where ministers are asked questions without notice – gets a lot of media attention.
But Mr Hunter said if they changed to this model, all the journalists would leave during the second half when it was time for Dorothy Dixers.
“No one is going to stick around to hear Dorothy Dixers … and what’s the point if no one is listening?”
Mr Fitzgibbon recalled his first speech to parliament in 1996 where he made an offer to the newly elected Prime Minister John Howard – he would support any initiatives taken to improve the standard of behaviour in parliament.
“In that first speech I lamented the decline in the standards in behaviour in this place,” he said.
“Alas nothing happened and I’m sad to report what you already know – it’s got worse, it’s got much worse in the time I’ve been here.
“I find that sad, I think it is really important we all work together here xjmtzywto maintain the dignity of the house and, just as importantly, the respect in which it is held by the broader Australian community.”
Mr Fitzgibbon – who had a brief stint as agriculture minister and was minister for defence during his lengthy career – said there were real consequences if something wasn’t done.
“It’s very clear that people are losing confidence in the system,” he said.
“As I move around the country, I feel more and more people are treating us with contempt and losing faith in us.
“We can change our behaviour in this place, and we can change the way we do things in this place.
“We need to remember that first and foremost we are elected to come here in this chamber as law makers, that’s our first job.”
He said too many politicians were motivated by their own ambitions.
“I can’t help but feel that most people come into this place and see this chamber as a stepping stone to the blue carpet,” he said, in a reference to parliament’s ministerial wing.
