Speaker Elise Archer makes historic rule change to allow breastfeeding MPs to take babies into the House

TASMANIAN Lower House MPs who are also new mums will be able to bring their babies into the chamber under historic changes instigated by the Speaker.

Speaker Elise Archer, left, with Labor MHA Rebecca White announcing the historic change for breastfeeding mothers at State Parliament today. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

TASMANIAN Lower House MPs who are also new mums will be able to bring their babies into the chamber under historic changes instigated by the Speaker.

The change is set to have an immediate impact, with Labor MP Rebecca White due to have a baby this month.

An amendment to the standing orders for the House of Assembly will allow a nursing mother to enter the chamber to vote or participate in debates at short notice without an accompanying infant being declared a “stranger in the House” and ordered to leave.

Liberal Speaker Elise Archer said it was time for the rules to be modernised to encourage women’s participation in parliament.

“As Tasmania’s first female Speaker, I am proud to have led this push to modernise the Parliament and I hope it encourages more women to consider a career in politics in the future,” Ms Archer said.

Heavily pregnant Labor MP Rebecca White, left, and Speaker Elise Archer talking to reporters at State Parliament today. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

“More than 60 years after a female MP was first elected to the House of Assembly in Tasmania, proposed changes to our House’s Standing Orders will remove this outdated categorisation for a child under 12 months of age, allowing a nursing mother to enter into and to participate in the proceedings of the House free from discrimination.”

Ms White said she was proud to be part of the important change that would benefit many female MPs in the future.

“I feel incredibly thankful to be part of a parliament that recognises women should be able to continue to perform the functions of their role as a parliamentarian after they have a child,” she said..

Premier Will Hodgman said he fully supported the change.

“It is important the Tasmanian Parliament is a modern workplace that recognises and caters for the needs of all Tasmanians, including new mothers,” he said.

Originally published as Speaker Elise Archer makes historic rule change to allow breastfeeding MPs to take babies into the House