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Larissa Waters breastfeeds her daughter Alia while passing a motion in the Senate

GREENS Senator Larissa Waters made history last month when she became the first woman to breastfeed inside federal Parliament. Now she’s set a new benchmark.

In a Parliament First, Australian Senator Breastfeeds Baby While Giving Speech. Credit - Australian Parliament via Storyful

GREENS Senator Larissa Waters made history last month when she became the first woman to breastfeed inside federal Parliament.

Now she’s done it again, feeding her 14-week old baby Alia Joy while passing a motion in the Senate in Canberra today.

Australian Greens Senator Larissa Waters putting forward a motion on Black Lung disease while breastfeeding and kissing her daughter Alia Joy in the Senate. Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP
Australian Greens Senator Larissa Waters putting forward a motion on Black Lung disease while breastfeeding and kissing her daughter Alia Joy in the Senate. Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP
Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP
Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP

“I am so proud that my daughter Alia is the first baby to be breastfed in the federal Parliament,” Senator Waters said back in May.

“We need more women and parents in Parliament. And we need more family-friendly and flexible workplaces, and affordable childcare, for everyone.”

Last year, parliamentary rules were changed to allow mothers to breastfeed in the chamber. Previously, children were banned in the chamber and breastfeeding mothers had to be given a proxy vote while they ducked outside to feed their babies.

Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP
Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP
Picture: Mick Tsikas/AAP
Picture: Mick Tsikas/AAP
Picture Kym Smith
Picture Kym Smith
Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP
Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP

The policy was changed after a controversy involving Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer, who was asked to express more breastmilk, rather than feed her daughter outside the chamber and miss parliamentary duties.

The Victorian MP was furious when the request initially was made.

It is understood the request came after two incidents in which Ms O’Dwyer missed a division and a speaking engagement in parliament because she was breastfeeding.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/larissa-waters-breastfeeds-her-daughter-alia-while-passing-a-motion-in-the-senate/news-story/ce1eaaa78195e17cff53c7d507eb54b4