THE INDEPENDENT Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton, is asking that respect, integrity and civility be restored in Queensland Parliament and has asked the Premier during Question Time how the government can improve behaviours in the House.

Ms Bolton said that she has repeatedly called out declining behaviour both in and out of the Chamber some 40 times since 2018. The independent Noosa MP has stated this behaviour has a flow-on effect into the community.

“Words have power, and behaviours in our parliaments have consequences, including the loss of negotiation and bipartisan agreements required to address our greatest issues. Parliamentary reform has never been more needed, as well as commitments to decency and respect.” Ms Bolton said.

Ms Bolton stated that in response to her question, the Premier made no commitment to improvements, nor to consider a pledge similar to that which Federal MP’s have been asked to sign.

The Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, the Hon Pat Weir MP, reflected on the continuing poor behaviour by MPs and reminded politicians of their part to play in lifting standards of public debate, especially now in the wake of the horrifying attack on Victorian Independent MP Helen Haines.

Pat Weir MP also reinforced what Ms Bolton had stated previously, warning that personal vitriol was overtaking common decency and describing parliamentary conduct as becoming a race to the bottom.

Ms Bolton stated that she agrees with the statement from AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett that “inflammatory political imagery and language” directly fuel public hostility.

“Abusive behaviours and words by political parties and elected representatives are detrimental to efforts for reducing anger and violence in our communities. As seen, this and vast volumes of misinformation fuel confusion, rage and resulting inciteful commentary online and offline,” Ms Bolton said.

Ms Bolton acknowledges that robust debate is essential; however, this should be respectful and factual, focusing on the issue or policy, leaving personal attacks and denigration out.

“Queenslanders increasingly report that they find the behaviours of politicians and political parties unacceptable, and that watching what happens in parliaments an embarrassment and waste of taxpayer dollars,” Ms Bolton said.

“We need to turn the tide on that. It just takes political will, and this does not appear to be a priority for them.”