Opening of Australia’s new Parliament

The 44^th Australian Parliament opened yesterday. The diplomatic corps were invited to attend and observe the splendid ceremony. The Australian system is a hybrid: with an elected upper chamber it has some important differences from Westminster; but there are many similarities in procedure.

First the members of the House of Representatives were sworn in, either by oath or affirmation. Many had brought personal, sometimes ancient, family bibles with them on which to swear. A couple of Jewish MPs donned yarmulke for this rather moving ceremony. In the gallery proud family members watched as 42 new members – a large turnover in a house of 150 – took their seats.

Then the redoubtable and vastly experienced Bronwyn Bishop was elected as Speaker. Following Westminster tradition she was “dragged” to the chair by PM Tony Abbott and House leader Christopher Pyne. This practice goes back to 1377 when becoming Speaker, representing Parliament to the King, could be a dangerous business. In fact Ms Bishop didn’t take much persuading: she looked absolutely delighted to be taking on the prestigious role as the culmination of a long parliamentary career. The Opposition Business Manager joked that it was like being back for a new term at Hogwarts and finding that Dumbledore had been replaced as head by Madam Umbridge.

Later the Representatives were summoned to the Senate Chamber where the Governor General opened the new Parliament by reading a speech containing the new government’s legislative agenda, just as the Queen does in Westminster.

Then we joined the politicians for tea accompanied by scones and cream (which, coming from Devon, I always enjoy.) Unsurprisingly the Coalition members I chatted to seemed happier than the Labor ones, now that their turn to be in charge had come, after a six year wait. I suppose that’s part of the ups and downs of political life, and a salutary reminder that all politicians in democracies are ultimately there at the behest of the people.