‘Shameful’: Furious MPs slam the banning of unofficial mascot of Victorian Parliament

Furious MPs are calling to “free Sprite” after the elderly rescue dog — once a much-loved visitor — was banned from Parliament House.

Elderly rescue dog Sprite had been attending parliament during sitting weeks with his owner, who is a parliamentary staffer. Picture: Instagram

Furious MPs from across the political divide have called for an immediate overturn of Sprite’s ban from parliament.

Treasurer Tim Pallas has led the charge of barking mad politicians, declaring that he believes “we should free Sprite”.

“Often in the Treasurer’s office, we have ‘bring a pet to work day’ and I tell you what, it makes for a more happy and engaging workplace,” he said.

Cabinet secretary Steve McGhie said he was “shocked and disappointed” with the news.

“He’s a lovely little fella,” he said.

“He assists all staff and MPs throughout this precinct in (providing) some sort of stress relief in regard to having that friendly little face and the wagging tail.”

For more than a year, elderly rescue pup, Sprite, has been attending parliament during sitting weeks with his owner, who is a parliamentary staffer.

He quickly became a favourite face among the halls of parliament and is regularly visited by politicians, staffers, journalists and other visitors to the building.

MPs are calling for Sprite's ban to be overturned. Picture: Instagram

Sprite is a 14-year-old dog who has become a familiar face in parliament. Picture: Instagram

But on Tuesday, Sprite’s owner was abruptly told that he couldn’t be brought back because it isn’t appropriate for him to be in the workplace.

The Herald Sun understands that the directive came from the Department of Parliamentary Services who said it was not appropriate for him to be in the workplace.

A Department of Parliamentary Services spokesman refused to answer questions about who made the decision to ban Sprite and whether he could return during normal sitting weeks. “Sprite continues to be very welcome on the Parliamentary Precinct during our regularly organised Pets on Precinct days, along with the many other dogs of our parliamentary workforce,” he said.

“The Parliament continues to welcome all accredited assistance animals (guide dogs, medical alert dogs, mobility assistance dogs) accompanying visitors and users of the precinct.”

Housing Minister Harriet Shing said dogs in the workplace play the “most phenomenal role”.

“Even though I hate the politics of so many people here, I can’t help but find common ground with them when I am spending time with the silvery magical senior 14-year-old Sprite. I’d love to see him returned to the precinct,” she said.

Labor MPs Lee Tarlamis, Michael Galea and Sonja Terpstra also spoke about the pooch in the upper house on Wednesday morning.

Ms Terpstra dedicated her entire member’s statement to talk about the importance of companion animals.

“I’m disappointed to inform the House that due to a decision by the Department of Parliamentary Services our little senior ambassador Sprite was being banned from this building,” she said.

“It is absolutely shameful and I am devastated to learn this.

“Having dogs in the workplace makes us all kinder and gentler people. Goodness knows we need that here in Spring St.

“I hope all of you join with me as we campaign to bring Sprite back.”

There is still confusion as to why Sprite has been banned when other dogs are brought into parliament.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes is a supporter of the parliamentary mascot. Picture: Nicki Connolly

As is Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell. Picture: Mark Stewart

On Wednesday, Mr McGhie’s staffer brought her dog, Bracks, into the precinct without any issue.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell also regularly brings rescued greyhounds to work.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said she didn’t have a problem with the “inoffensive little pup hanging around parliament”.

“Having a cute little rescue puppy in the parliament is certainly something that I support,” she said.

Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell said MPs from all sides would fight to have him returned.

“A sitting week wouldn’t be the same without Sprite. I love Sprite. Sprite is a great addition to this place,” he said.

But Premier Jacinta Allan said she was focused on more pressing matters.

“There’s a lot going on in the world and I’m focused on those matters, not necessarily Sprite the dog,” she said.

“I know there’s great interest in Sprite the dog. How Sprite the dog moves around the parliamentary precinct is very much a matter for parliamentary services.

“I have two dogs of my own and I love them dearly and they wouldn’t want me to come home and know that I’ve been seeing other dogs.”

A post on Sprite’s Instagram page on Tuesday evening. Picture: Instagram

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell read a motion on Wednesday challenging the ban.

“There is so much evidence to show that pets make workplaces a better place to be,” she said.

“They’re good for our mental and physical health, improve socialisation and help us create connections – and in a place like parliament, this is so desperately needed.

“Seeing Sprite always makes mine and my office’s day. He helps us to check out, relieve stress and provides a break from the chaos.

“I’m calling for Sprite to be let back into parliament, but also for a pet-friendly policy to be urgently implemented.”

A post on Sprite’s Instagram page on Tuesday evening read that he could no longer be taken to Parliament House and at the Department of Parliamentary Services’ office.

The Department of Parliamentary Services has been contacted for comment.

“No discussions have taken place,” the post read.

“Unfortunately today was his last day on site.

“We’re very sorry that he’s not able to continue to be a support dog to those who seek his comfort.”

Sprite, aged 14, was found wandering on a main road near Kerang before he was taken into foster care.