Can the President of the Senate direct a senator to leave for unruly conduct like the Speaker in the House?
Thank you for your question, Barry.
In short, no – the rules in the Senate are different.
As you are aware, in the House of Representatives, the Speaker can utilise 94 (a) of the Standing Orders – the rules used to run the meeting – to direct a disorderly member to leave the House for one hour.
The Standing Orders of the Senate do not give the President the same ability to direct a senator to leave the Senate.
Instead, the President of the Senate can name and move a motion to suspend a senator who has engaged in unruly conduct. This motion requires support from a majority of the Senate for the senator to be suspended. Senate standing orders 203 and 204 outline this process and the timeframes involved.
The House of Representatives has a similar standing order – 94 (b) – which allows for the suspension of a disorderly member.
The Senate from behind the President of the Senate's chair
DPS Auspic
The Senate from behind the President of the Senate's chair
DPS Auspic
Description
The Senate is a large room with red furnishings. Seats and desks for senators are arranged in a horse-shoe shape around a large central table.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.