"I want to ask a question to inform the women in my community." That's how Labor senator Marielle Smith addressed the Senate during Thursday's extended Question Time.
However, Smith — who said she was hoping to hear more about the government's investment in women's health — couldn't finish her question over the loud interjections.
Despite Senate President Sue Lines declaring that the upper house was "out of order", her calls for decorum weren't heeded.
Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres subsequently stood up to back his party colleague.
"Senator Smith is trying to articulate a position, it is very difficult for her to do that with all the bellowing from the fellas over here", said Ayres.
Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt also spoke in Smith's defence after tabling reforms to environmental protections in parliament today.
Thursday was a busy day for Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt, who also addressed the National Press Club on proposed environmental law reforms. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
"That might be something worth reflecting [on]," said Watt, who later withdrew his comments.
Liberal senator James Paterson — who is 37 years old and has been in federal parliament since 2016 — said he was "old enough to remember you [Smith] sitting in these chairs screaming at female senators yourself. Have some self-awareness."
In an off-microphone interjection, Opposition Senator Dean Smith described her as "M Smith".
The South Australian senator quickly clarified: "It's Marielle … that is how you say my name."
Responding to a remark by Opposition senator Bridget McKenzie regarding the silencing of women, the Senate president responded:
"Well, Senator McKenzie, quite frankly, I wish you would take your own advice on that interjection."
Liberal Senator Jane Hume made a display of her boredom during the extended Senate Question Time, constructing a necklace from Mintie wrappers. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
Fellow Labor senator Corinne Mulholland later questioned the Opposition's stance on female senators.
"I understand that those opposite might be uncomfortable with a woman asking a question in this place, they seem to be so upset about it today. I know they want to silence me on this matter," she said.
The Senate also voted to suspend Mulholland's question.
Questioning Question Time?
Question Time is typically one hour but Thursday's chaotic session ran to over three hours, thanks to a motion put by Independent senator David Pocock on Wednesday afternoon.
Pocock is incensed by Labor's delay in releasing a report into government public sector board appointments, which was first handed to them in August 2023.
Government figures have said the document is subject to cabinet and confidentiality restrictions but it will be released once those are worked through.
Independent senator David Pocock is the architect of a motion to extend Senate Question Time. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
The Albanese government has reportedly threatened to sack Coalition MPs from senior committee positions over the move, which is anticipated to create turmoil for the remainder of the parliamentary year.
