logo
Traditions dragged to the fore as parliament comes back

Traditions dragged to the fore as parliament comes back

The Advertiser3 days ago
Dragging MPs, knocking on doors with giant rods and senators in the wrong chamber doesn't sound like a usual day at Parliament House.
But on the opening day, traditions dating back hundreds of years defined the procedures.
The House of Representatives and Senate met on Tuesday for the first time since Labor's election win, but before any debate on legislation took place, parliamentary rituals had to be taken care of first.
Parliament was opened up by High Court Chief Justice Stephen Gageler, with all MPs and senators packed into the upper house, before returning their respective chambers to be sworn in.
Business then turned to electing a Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Senate president.
Traditionally, once a Speaker is elected, they are dragged to the speaker's chair by other MPs.
The dragging tradition dates back to the early days of the British parliament, when people were reluctantly elected to the role because of predecessors being executed or imprisoned due to the monarch not agreeing with the British parliament's outcome.
House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick took part in the ceremonial dragging when he was appointed to the role in 2022 and retained his prominent role in parliament.
"When (the traditions) occur for the first time, people see them and they may seem a little unusual," he told AAP.
"This is what our democracy has been built on. They signify some of the foundations of our parliament."
Later in the day, the Usher of the Black Rod, knocked on the door of the House of Representatives three times to invite MPs to the Senate for a speech by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
The address outlined the priorities of the government during the upcoming three-year term.
The speech can't happen in the House of Representatives because of a convention dating back to 1642, when King Charles I went into British parliament and tried to arrest five people but was unsuccessful.
Since then, any figure related to the crown such as the Governor General is not allowed in the lower house.
Despite the British traditions on display on parliament's opening day, Australian customs were also part of the mix.
The day began with a welcome to country and Indigenous smoking ceremony.
Senate president Sue Lines said the Indigenous elements of the day were an important part of parliament's opening.
"It's important for me and very symbolic that we back our own traditions and acknowledge First Nations (people), and we also have the quirky bits of the Westminster system," Senator Lines told AAP.
"These traditions also reinforce the different roles that the House of Representatives and the Senate has, and sometimes that's a bit lost because we get into the argument and debate."
Official business will get under way later on Tuesday with maiden speeches by MPs before proposed laws are debated on Wednesday.
Dragging MPs, knocking on doors with giant rods and senators in the wrong chamber doesn't sound like a usual day at Parliament House.
But on the opening day, traditions dating back hundreds of years defined the procedures.
The House of Representatives and Senate met on Tuesday for the first time since Labor's election win, but before any debate on legislation took place, parliamentary rituals had to be taken care of first.
Parliament was opened up by High Court Chief Justice Stephen Gageler, with all MPs and senators packed into the upper house, before returning their respective chambers to be sworn in.
Business then turned to electing a Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Senate president.
Traditionally, once a Speaker is elected, they are dragged to the speaker's chair by other MPs.
The dragging tradition dates back to the early days of the British parliament, when people were reluctantly elected to the role because of predecessors being executed or imprisoned due to the monarch not agreeing with the British parliament's outcome.
House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick took part in the ceremonial dragging when he was appointed to the role in 2022 and retained his prominent role in parliament.
"When (the traditions) occur for the first time, people see them and they may seem a little unusual," he told AAP.
"This is what our democracy has been built on. They signify some of the foundations of our parliament."
Later in the day, the Usher of the Black Rod, knocked on the door of the House of Representatives three times to invite MPs to the Senate for a speech by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
The address outlined the priorities of the government during the upcoming three-year term.
The speech can't happen in the House of Representatives because of a convention dating back to 1642, when King Charles I went into British parliament and tried to arrest five people but was unsuccessful.
Since then, any figure related to the crown such as the Governor General is not allowed in the lower house.
Despite the British traditions on display on parliament's opening day, Australian customs were also part of the mix.
The day began with a welcome to country and Indigenous smoking ceremony.
Senate president Sue Lines said the Indigenous elements of the day were an important part of parliament's opening.
"It's important for me and very symbolic that we back our own traditions and acknowledge First Nations (people), and we also have the quirky bits of the Westminster system," Senator Lines told AAP.
"These traditions also reinforce the different roles that the House of Representatives and the Senate has, and sometimes that's a bit lost because we get into the argument and debate."
Official business will get under way later on Tuesday with maiden speeches by MPs before proposed laws are debated on Wednesday.
Dragging MPs, knocking on doors with giant rods and senators in the wrong chamber doesn't sound like a usual day at Parliament House.
But on the opening day, traditions dating back hundreds of years defined the procedures.
The House of Representatives and Senate met on Tuesday for the first time since Labor's election win, but before any debate on legislation took place, parliamentary rituals had to be taken care of first.
Parliament was opened up by High Court Chief Justice Stephen Gageler, with all MPs and senators packed into the upper house, before returning their respective chambers to be sworn in.
Business then turned to electing a Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Senate president.
Traditionally, once a Speaker is elected, they are dragged to the speaker's chair by other MPs.
The dragging tradition dates back to the early days of the British parliament, when people were reluctantly elected to the role because of predecessors being executed or imprisoned due to the monarch not agreeing with the British parliament's outcome.
House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick took part in the ceremonial dragging when he was appointed to the role in 2022 and retained his prominent role in parliament.
"When (the traditions) occur for the first time, people see them and they may seem a little unusual," he told AAP.
"This is what our democracy has been built on. They signify some of the foundations of our parliament."
Later in the day, the Usher of the Black Rod, knocked on the door of the House of Representatives three times to invite MPs to the Senate for a speech by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
The address outlined the priorities of the government during the upcoming three-year term.
The speech can't happen in the House of Representatives because of a convention dating back to 1642, when King Charles I went into British parliament and tried to arrest five people but was unsuccessful.
Since then, any figure related to the crown such as the Governor General is not allowed in the lower house.
Despite the British traditions on display on parliament's opening day, Australian customs were also part of the mix.
The day began with a welcome to country and Indigenous smoking ceremony.
Senate president Sue Lines said the Indigenous elements of the day were an important part of parliament's opening.
"It's important for me and very symbolic that we back our own traditions and acknowledge First Nations (people), and we also have the quirky bits of the Westminster system," Senator Lines told AAP.
"These traditions also reinforce the different roles that the House of Representatives and the Senate has, and sometimes that's a bit lost because we get into the argument and debate."
Official business will get under way later on Tuesday with maiden speeches by MPs before proposed laws are debated on Wednesday.
Dragging MPs, knocking on doors with giant rods and senators in the wrong chamber doesn't sound like a usual day at Parliament House.
But on the opening day, traditions dating back hundreds of years defined the procedures.
The House of Representatives and Senate met on Tuesday for the first time since Labor's election win, but before any debate on legislation took place, parliamentary rituals had to be taken care of first.
Parliament was opened up by High Court Chief Justice Stephen Gageler, with all MPs and senators packed into the upper house, before returning their respective chambers to be sworn in.
Business then turned to electing a Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Senate president.
Traditionally, once a Speaker is elected, they are dragged to the speaker's chair by other MPs.
The dragging tradition dates back to the early days of the British parliament, when people were reluctantly elected to the role because of predecessors being executed or imprisoned due to the monarch not agreeing with the British parliament's outcome.
House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick took part in the ceremonial dragging when he was appointed to the role in 2022 and retained his prominent role in parliament.
"When (the traditions) occur for the first time, people see them and they may seem a little unusual," he told AAP.
"This is what our democracy has been built on. They signify some of the foundations of our parliament."
Later in the day, the Usher of the Black Rod, knocked on the door of the House of Representatives three times to invite MPs to the Senate for a speech by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
The address outlined the priorities of the government during the upcoming three-year term.
The speech can't happen in the House of Representatives because of a convention dating back to 1642, when King Charles I went into British parliament and tried to arrest five people but was unsuccessful.
Since then, any figure related to the crown such as the Governor General is not allowed in the lower house.
Despite the British traditions on display on parliament's opening day, Australian customs were also part of the mix.
The day began with a welcome to country and Indigenous smoking ceremony.
Senate president Sue Lines said the Indigenous elements of the day were an important part of parliament's opening.
"It's important for me and very symbolic that we back our own traditions and acknowledge First Nations (people), and we also have the quirky bits of the Westminster system," Senator Lines told AAP.
"These traditions also reinforce the different roles that the House of Representatives and the Senate has, and sometimes that's a bit lost because we get into the argument and debate."
Official business will get under way later on Tuesday with maiden speeches by MPs before proposed laws are debated on Wednesday.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Australia, UK to sign deal to strengthen AUKUS for half a century
Australia, UK to sign deal to strengthen AUKUS for half a century

9 News

timean hour ago

  • 9 News

Australia, UK to sign deal to strengthen AUKUS for half a century

Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australia and the United Kingdom are on the verge of signing a 50-year treaty to strengthen the AUKUS alliance even as it is under review by the United States. Some in the Trump administration have cast doubt over the future of the three-nation pact, however the treaty between Australia and the UK is set to shore up the agreement. "This historic treaty confirms our AUKUS commitment for the next half century," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said today. Australia and the United Kingdom are on the verge of signing a 50-year treaty to strengthen the AUKUS alliance. (Australian Defence Force via Get) The treaty is set to be signed during Healey and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's current visit to Australia. "Our new bilateral AUKUS treaty is an embodiment of… safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific whilst catalysing growth for both our countries," Lammy said. It comes as part of an effort from Australia and the United Kingdom to shore up AUKUS amid conflicting views on the pact within the United States. US under-secretary of defence Elbridge Colby, who is leading the review into the pact, has expressed scepticism about AUKUS in the past. The Trump administration is reviewing AUKUS. (AP) However, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles believes the global geopolitical situation requires allies to strengthen their bonds and collaboration. "We are living at a time where in the Indo-Pacific or in the North Atlantic, the world is volatile, there is great power contest," he said. "We've got ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and this is a time where we're really grateful for the closeness of the personal relationships but the significance that we have in the bilateral relationship." "It really now means that our bilateral relationship is right up there as among the most important, if not the most important, that we have in the world." CONTACT US Auto news: BYD speaks out about their ongoing battle with Tesla.

Albanese says Israel's denial of aid, killing of civilians 'cannot be defended or ignored'
Albanese says Israel's denial of aid, killing of civilians 'cannot be defended or ignored'

SBS Australia

time2 hours ago

  • SBS Australia

Albanese says Israel's denial of aid, killing of civilians 'cannot be defended or ignored'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Israel to "comply immediately with its obligations under international law", saying its denial of aid and the killing of civilians seeking water and food "cannot be defended or ignored". The statement on the "situation in Gaza", delivered on Friday, is Albanese's strongest language so far on the suffering in the Palestinian enclave, which he called a "humanitarian catastrophe". "The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears," Albanese said. "The position of the Australian government is clear: every innocent life matters. Every Israeli. Every Palestinian." "This conflict has stolen far too many innocent lives. Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving," Albanese said. He said Gaza is "in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe". "Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored," the statement said. Amir Maimon, Israel's ambassador to Australia, criticised the statement, saying: "To condemn Israel for defending itself is wrong." "It deflects attention from the real perpetrators of this horror: Hamas," said Maimon, who added "the international community must stop equivocating and start acting". Albanese said Australia condemned "the terror and brutality" of Hamas and reiterated calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages it took in the October 7 attack, and continued support of all international efforts for a ceasefire. Humanitarian crisis in Gaza On Wednesday, it was reported 15 people, including a six-week-old baby, starved to death in 24 hours in Gaza, according to doctors, linking this to a wave of hunger that persisted for months. Since Hamas — the political and military group that rules Gaza — attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, sparking the nearly two-year-long war , at least 101 people, including 80 children, have died from hunger, with most fatalities occurring in the last few weeks, according to Palestinian officials. Speaking after the appeal by 111 aid and human rights groups for governments to take action, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I don't know what you would call it other than mass starvation, and it's man-made, and that's very clear." "This is because of the blockade," he said. The contentious US-based Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) has been delivering aid to Gaza since May. It bypasses traditional aid channels, including the UN, which says the GHF is neither impartial nor neutral. Earlier this month, Israel's military acknowledged Palestinians were harmed at aid distribution centres, saying new instructions had been issued following what it called "lessons learned". Albanese called on Israel to "comply immediately with its obligations under international law". "This includes allowing the United Nations and NGOs to carry out their lifesaving work safely and without hindrance," he said. "Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned." In their joint statement, the humanitarian and aid organisations also criticised the GHF and said that "tons" of aid were in warehouses just outside Gaza, but Israel's government was restricting its entry. The Israeli government has rejected such claims and accused the UN and its partners of not collecting the large quantities of food and other essentials that were cleared and waiting on the Gaza side of the border. It says aid is flowing into Gaza. PM reaffirms commitment to two-state solution Albanese's statement on Friday did not reference Macron's announcement that France will recognise Palestinian statehood. However, it reaffirmed the government's position for an Israel-Palestinian two-state solution. "Recognising the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own has long been a bipartisan position in Australia," he said. "The reason a two-state solution remains the goal of the international community is because a just and lasting peace depends upon it," Albanese said. "Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally recognised borders." The prime minister's statement comes in the same week Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined more than 20 of her global counterparts in a joint statement that called for an immediate end to Israel's violence in Gaza and condemned the denial of humanitarian assistance to starving Palestinians. That coincided with the first sitting day of parliament following the May federal election, which was marked by pro-Palestinian protests on the lawns outside who called on the government to take more action against Israel, including imposing sanctions. Some politicians, including Mehreen Faruqi, demanded that too. In a silent protest in the upper house, the Greens senator held a sign that read "Gaza is starving. Words won't feed them. Sanction Israel" during Governor-General Sam Mostyn's address. Albanese 'fails to place any blame on Hamas' Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash said while the Coalition has "strong concerns" about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, it was "disappointing" that Albanese's statement "once again fails to place any blame on Hamas, a listed terrorist organisation, for the delays in aid reaching the people of Gaza". "The Coalition acknowledges that the delay in aid entering Gaza is unacceptable and that the Israeli government needs to urgently work with international bodies to allow aid to flow freely to those that need it," Cash said. "However, the right system must be in place so that it can be distributed without Hamas intervening in the process." In her statement, Cash did not detail how Hamas was delaying aid reaching Gaza nor how it was intervening. Overnight, Israel and the United States recalled their delegations from the latest ceasefire talks for consultations, with US envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of failing to act in good faith. Hamas said it was surprised by Witkoff's remarks, adding the group's position had been welcomed by mediators and had opened the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement.

Roy Morgan Research: Trust in Indonesian Government on the Rise Since Prabowo Took Power
Roy Morgan Research: Trust in Indonesian Government on the Rise Since Prabowo Took Power

SBS Australia

time2 hours ago

  • SBS Australia

Roy Morgan Research: Trust in Indonesian Government on the Rise Since Prabowo Took Power

LISTEN TO SBS Indonesian 25/07/2025 10:57 Indonesian In research conducted from April 2024 to March 2025, covering 6 months of President Prabowo's presidency, there was a significant increase in confidence levels. In addition, the respondents also said that the current government is doing a pretty good job for the country, and respondents also believe that democracy is doing well in Indonesia. 'Roy Morgan's latest research shows increased public confidence in the government of President Prabowo Subianto. Confidence in his leadership has risen to 69 percent by early 2025, up 8 percentage points from 61 percent before his inauguration in October 2024,' said Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, center, walks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto while inspecting a honor guard before their meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, May 15, 2025. Source: AP / Dita Alangkara/AP/AAP Image In addition, Levine also said that during the same period, the approval rate of the government's performance rose sharply to 79 percent, a 7 percent increase. Although trust in democratic institutions remains stable, with 75 percent of Indonesians agreeing that 'democracy is doing well,' concerns about corruption remain high. In conducting his research, Roy Morgan asked 10,939 respondents representing Indonesia during the period April 2024 — March 2025, covering the first six months of President Prabowo's term (October 2024 — March 2025) and the last six months of the previous President's term (April 2024 — September 2024). Roy Morgan also noted that Prabowo, who campaigned on anticorruption reform and is widely considered firm on the issue, has maintained a public focus on eradicating corruption. Last week, Roy Morgan published a list of key issues facing Indonesia, and 'eradicating corruption' is considered the second most important issue for the new President -- mentioned by 41 percent of Indonesians. Responding to this research, Doktor Faisal Riza, a lecturer and political observer from the Islamic State University of North Sumatra in Medan, said one of the reasons was the absence of opposition in the government. Lecturer of Islamic Political Thought, UIN Sumatera Utara Credit: Faisal Riza However, Riza also sees a hidden transcript in understanding government policy. Riza agrees that Prabowo's government has so far been dominant in creating discourse. Therefore, regardless of the conditions, Indonesians tend to be able to accept. He refers to the term governmentality to describe opposing conditions at the same time. In this situation, explains Riza, the government manages democracy, but it also manages authoritarianism. It was in this context that Riza acknowledged that public policy narratives from the government were indeed more dominant. If those narratives get to the community, they tend to believe it just so. This is what keeps the level of trust to the government high. Referring to bad phenomena in society, such as rising prices and the difficulty of finding a job, does not seem to be in line with the results of this research, according to Riza this is what is called the Prabowo paradox. President Prabowo Discusses Indonesia-France Cooperation and the Two-State Solution in the Middle East, July 15. 2025. Credit: Badan Penjaminan Mutu Internal Sekretaris Presiden (BPMI Setpres)/Cahyo In addition, Prabowo also implemented various programs that were immediately perceived by the public and quite popular, such as Free Nutritious Meals and the Village Movement Bachelor program. Such programs become jobs for thousands of people and make society judge, they can get involved in them. The challenge in the second term of government for Prabowo is to streamline these programs so that the benefits are felt. The results of this study also confirm Riza's observation, regarding the lack of presence of critical groups in Indonesia. Government policy is not an important discussion in society, nor are civil society organizations that tend to be silent in these months. The middle classes also tend to wait, as if to question themselves, whether it's time to launch criticism or still have to shut up. Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram , and don't miss our podcasts .

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store