By Paul Millar and John Van Klaveren
IT WAS a case of ‘Cup that!’ for federal MP Sarah Henderson in parliament this week as Corio counterpart Richard Marles apparently strayed off party course on refugee policy.
Ms Henderson, the Liberals’ MP for Corangamite, was left with a sour taste in her mouth when she was reported for bringing a takeaway coffee into parliament.
“It is not permitted to bring food or drinks into the chamber. Only water, which is provided, is permitted,” Speaker Brownyn Bishop told her party colleague.
Ms Henderson was in trouble with the deputy speaker a day earlier for impugning” her predecessor in Corangamite, Labor’s Darren Cheeseman, who was visiting parliament the same day.
Ms Henderson had attempted to use Mr Cheeseman as an example of why parliamentary entitlements should be reduced.
She stressed that MPs were “duty-bound” to observe high standards of integrity, honesty and transparency.
“I digress for one moment, noting that the former member for Corangamite was in the house today,” she told parliament.
“It reminded me of the failure of the former member for Corangamite to serve with integrity when he ran a very dishonest campaign in relation to a particular…”
Acting deputy speaker Rob Mitchell cut Ms Henderson off, asking her to withdraw the remarks.
“Those imputations are not acceptable,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The standing orders clearly say that you cannot impugn a member or claim that his motives are improper, and that is what you have just done.”
Ms Henderson protested several times before “reluctantly” agreeing to Mr Mitchell’s order.
“It is unfortunate that you have made that ruling, Mr acting deputy speaker, but, in light of the fact that you have, I will withdraw it.”
Ms Henderon said the Government’s proposed entitlement changes “sent a very clear message that any mistakes, oversights or, unfortunately, abuses, as has been alleged in the past, by members of parliament with respect to travel claims, will not be tolerated.
“Australians do not like any suggestion that politicians have their snout in the trough.”
Mr Marles, the opposition’s Member for Corio and immigration spokesman, was in hot water with some MPs and commentators for suggesting Labor could adopt the Abbott Government’s policy of turning back refugees on boats.
But a day later he was quoted saying “our position hasn’t changed”.
Labor leader Bill Shorten was forced to defend Mr Marles when asked whether the Corio MP had “gone rogue”.
