Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant sharply rebuked Opposition Senator Makala Parker during Thursday’s sitting, accusing her of failing to respect the authority of the Chair as debate on the Airport Administration Charge Amendment Bill became increasingly tense.
The confrontation arose during a dispute over Parker’s description of the Climate Resilience and Development Fund as a “slush fund” and whether she should immediately provide evidence to support the claim.
As Parker attempted to continue speaking, Williams-Grant reminded her that senators were required to remain silent while the presiding officer was addressing the chamber.
“What is so difficult in comprehending that when the presiding officer is speaking, that you are to be quiet? It’s in the Standing Orders,” Williams-Grant said.
The Senate President then instructed Parker either to withdraw the statement or present the evidence on which it was based.
“I’ve ruled on the matter. You’re taking it back, you’re withdrawing it, that is, or you’re presenting the evidence, Senator Parker. What are you doing, Senator Parker?” she asked.
Parker responded that she had already indicated she intended to provide the supporting information as part of her presentation.
However, Williams-Grant maintained that the evidence had to be presented immediately because a point of order had been raised.
“I’m saying show me now, because the point of order is raised now,” the Senate President said.
The exchange intensified as Parker continued trying to explain her position, prompting Williams-Grant to warn her against attempting to mislead the Chair.
“So don’t try and—don’t try pulling nothing over me,” she said.
Williams-Grant then criticised Parker for remaining on her feet and turning away while the Chair was speaking.
“And for the last time, when me talk, nobody else is supposed to be speaking, and you shouldn’t even be on your feet, and your back is turned to me. What’s the disrespect this morning? What’s going on?” she asked.
Parker subsequently apologised, while maintaining that she had not intended to disrespect the Chair.
“Madam President, I wish to apologize to you, if my actions are coming across as disrespect, or otherwise disregard for the Chair. That is absolutely not my intention,” Parker said.
She added: “In fact, I am actually very refreshed that this is the tone we want to set for the parliamentary debate, so I will act accordingly.”
Parker then continued her argument, identifying the Climate Resilience and Development Fund as the fund she had described as a slush fund and questioning its creation, administration and financial accountability.
The clash was one of several tense moments during debate on the airport charge legislation, which was later passed without amendment.
