AT a time when pomp and ceremony is being stripped back from institutions such as courts, Federal Parliament is taking a step in the opposite direction.
Yesterday Parliament resumed with Speaker Peter Slipper wearing a gown while presiding over the House of Representatives.
Mr Slipper, who quit the federal Coalition to replace Harry Jenkins as Speaker in late November, is reported to want to wear the wig in the speaker’s chair.
The wig has not been worn by a federal speaker since 1988, 24 years ago.
Surprisingly, in spite of their anger about Mr Slipper’s decision to defect, members of the Coalition are somewhat supportive of a return to a more formal past.
Manager of opposition business Chris Pyne said the role of the speaker is a ceremonial one and he believes greater formality will improve the chamber.
It seems some of our parliamentarians have learnt nothing about good behaviour during their holiday break.
Mr Slipper yesterday threw out four Coalition MPs for rowdy behaviour in question time, reflecting Mr Pyne’s vow to speak up if not given a fair go.
The chamber may be more formal, but that doesn’t equate to better behaviour.
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