Australia’s Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has urged MPs to back a civility pledge, saying the attack on independent parliamentarian Helen Haines should mark a turning point in the way politics is conducted.
Ms Haines had been the sole parliamentarian to support the pledge before she was attacked last week. Ms Plibersek said politicians should be able to argue forcefully without resorting to personal cruelty.
“It is really possible to have strong debate about issues without any censorship, and not be mean, and not be cruel, and not inflame things,” she told Seven’s Sunrise.
Ms Plibersek said the responsibility to behave more decently extended beyond parliament, pointing to abuse faced by teachers, principals, shop assistants, flight attendants and children refereeing weekend sport.
“It’s not just about politicians, of course it’s not,” she said. “Surely, all of us have a role to play.”
She also called on people to reconsider their conduct in everyday situations, including when entering a shop or becoming frustrated while waiting in a queue.
“Just think: Can I do this better? Can I be kinder to the people around me?” Ms Plibersek said.
