Language in the spot light after ‘weasel words’ caused offence in parliament

Parliament’s unusual run of good behaviour has come to a juddering halt with members taking offence at three separate instances. Here’s why.

Greens health spokeswoman Cecily Rosol and party leader Rosalie Woodruff speak to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

Parliament’s unusual run of good behaviour has come to a juddering halt with members taking offence at being accused of being “hard of hearing ”, for using “weasel words” and for being described as “part of the government”.

Speaker Michelle O’Byrne says she will review the sort of language that has been permissible in the House of Assembly after several members took umbrage at comments during Question Time on Wednesday.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff objected when Liberal Minister Eric Abetz said: “I think she has problems with her hearing” during Question Time.

“I do take offence, and I would like him to withdraw that,” she said.

Speaker Michelle O’Byrne asked Mr Abetz to withdraw.

“We do have people who have served in this Parliament who are hearing-impaired and it is offensive to use ‘not good at hearing’ as some kind of insult,” she said.,

“If the honourable member is offended, then of course I apologise,” Mr Abetz replied.

Minister Eric Abetz. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The honourable speaker said that was “not a proper withdrawal”, and requested it be made unconditionally. Mr Abetz complied.

Speaking outside parliament, Dr Woodruff said the comments were unfortunate.

“It is entirely inappropriate to use people with disabilities as part of a sort of pejorative slur in Parliament,” she said.

Later during question time, it was Mr Abetz’s turn to be offended when Dr Woodruff accused the Premier of using “weasel words” over alleged health cuts.

“The words ‘weasel words’ offend standing order 44,” he said, making a point of order with Ms O’Byrne.

“If the Premier is particularly offended personally by the words ‘weasel words’ he may ask for that to be withdrawn or he may seek to make a personal explanation as to how he’s been personally offended by such a thing,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“I would ask that members are genuinely careful around the words that they use that remind them that their standing orders protect individual members who have been offended by language.

“I will undertake to have a look at the types of language that have been deemed acceptable and unacceptable in this place and update the House on a tone that we would like to see employed here.”

Rebekah Pentland Lambie Network member for Bass. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Later in Question time, Jacqui Lambie Network MP Rebekah Pentland took offence at Labor comments about their agreement with the Liberals.

“I take personal offence to the Honourable Dean Winter, by innuendo making reference that the Jacqui Lambie Network is taking on the role of government,” she said.

“We are not a coalition. We are an independent team.”

But Ms O’Byrne was against her.

“You personally have not been offended … whether or not the Jacqui Lambie Network might be offended, you can’t make an argument around it,” she replied.

“I am personally offended,” the MP countered.

“You can’t be personally offended. If they said you Ms Pentland, the member for Bass, had done something, that you could find offensive.”

Mr Winter later conceded Ms Pentland had a point.

“Look, I would be offended if I was accused of being anyway associated with this Liberal government,” he said.

In an unrelated development, the government has tabled legislation to remove blasphemy as an offence under the Police Offences Act — although it remains contrary to parliament’s standing orders.