Labor Backs McKim’s Childish Behaviour

Labor needs to explain why they voted to back the willfully disrespectful antics of Greens MP Nick McKim today.

It’s clear Mr McKim is still firmly in control of Labor as the Opposition appeared embarrassed at being forced to approve his blatant disregard of the Speaker’s instructions.

Mr McKim was given plenty of latitude by the Speaker and it was only after he shrieked interjections at the top of his voice that the House was given a final warning.

Mr McKim wilfully ignored that and was the only interjector following that final warning.

He was then ordered by the Speaker, quite properly, to absent himself from the Chamber for the 20 minutes left in Question Time.

He resisted that order and started to make a speech, a defiant act that gave the Speaker no other choice, so – in order to protect the integrity of the position of Speaker – Ms Archer was forced to name Mr McKim.

When a Member is named the House is required to vote on suspending them for up to 24 hours. Shamefully, Labor voted against suspending Mr McKim.

Labor should apologise to the Speaker for their actions in supporting Mr McKim’s disgraceful attack on her position.
Michael Ferguson, Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly