Penny Wong on Jacinta Price
TL;DR
Penny Wong strongly criticized Senator Jacinta Price during a Senate debate concerning the acknowledgement of country protocol.
Key Points
Penny Wong stated that Senator Jacinta Price should respect the established traditions and rituals of the Senate chamber.
The conflict arose during a debate on the protocols for acknowledging country, where Price expressed a dissenting view.
Following the exchange, Wong was reportedly accused of trying to control the debate by preventing another senator from speaking.
Summary
Penny Wong took a strong stance against Senator Jacinta Price during a Senate debate regarding the protocols for acknowledging country, asserting that Price should respect the traditions of the chamber. Wong stated that while one does not have to agree with the tradition, it is part of the chamber's rituals and must be respected by a senator. This exchange escalated when other senators, including Senator Michaelia Cash, defended Price's right to express her dissenting opinion on the matter, implying Wong was attempting to shut down debate and lecture others.
The context of Wong's comments involved Price speaking against the customary acknowledgement of country, views which Price claimed are often met with accusations of racism by those holding opposing opinions. Following the initial exchange, Wong reportedly attempted to deny another senator leave to speak, further suggesting an intent to control the final word in the debate, although this was reportedly reversed after the other senator insisted on speaking on the Hansard record. The overall confrontation positioned Wong as adversarial toward Price's right to voice her opinion on the protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Penny Wong's position, as demonstrated in a Senate debate, is one of strong opposition to Senator Jacinta Price's conduct regarding chamber protocols. She specifically criticized Price for not respecting the traditions of the chamber during discussions on the acknowledgement of country.
The sources indicate that Penny Wong asserted that Senator Price should respect the chamber's traditions, but the ensuing conflict involved Wong being accused by colleagues of attempting to silence others after her own contribution. This involved an alleged attempt to deny another senator leave to speak.
Penny Wong asserted during a debate that Senator Jacinta Price, like all senators, should respect the established rituals and traditions of the chamber. Her stance was focused on procedural respect rather than the substance of Price's opinion on the welcome to country.
Sources3
TRANSCRIPT – 2GB Radio Sydney
I will not stand for that: Senator Michaelia Cash slams Penny Wong claiming she sought to dismiss Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Penny Wong has copped an almighty spray...
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.