Independent MP Kate Chaney has accused former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce of using lewd comments to heckle Energy Minister Chris Bowen during question time on Thursday afternoon.
Chaney chose not to repeat the lines in the House as there were children present in the galleries, but told this masthead Joyce had called out to Bowen: “What are you doing with your hand in your pocket? What are you doing down there? Do you have a hole in your pocket?”
Kate Chaney raised a point of order on comments made by former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
The West Australian rose to her feet during a question on energy prices from independent MP Dai Le to seek a ruling on whether Joyce, who sits next to Chaney in the chamber, had breached standing orders by using inappropriate language.
Standing order 90, which Chaney referenced, prohibits “making critical, insulting or disparaging comments about another Member’s character, appearance or personal attributes”.
Joyce stared at her and shrugged.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen, hand in pocket, responds to independent MP Dai Le. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Speaker of the House Milton Dick had not heard what Joyce said over Bowen’s forceful response to Le – who wanted to know if net zero plans would hurt family finances – but Joyce was warned to behave under the standing orders.
“If the member for New England is reflecting on members, I’m going to ask him to cease and desist that, and perhaps to assist the House he’ll remain silent for the remainder of this answer,” Dick said.
Joyce listens to Speaker Milton Dick’s ruling, as independents Kate Chaney and Allegra Spender look on. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
