Tie-less politician sparks outrage in Parliament
Has a tie always been an indispensable part of your wardrobe – even if only for weddings and funerals? Times are changing – even in Parliament.
When Independent Senator and former rugby champion David Pocock delivered his first speech in parliament, his athletic neck was on display proud and unencumbered. In the House of Reps, incoming Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather took a similar approach.
But not everyone was happy.
The speakers act as the fashion police in Parliament, with members expected to express “neatness, cleanliness and decency”. What was the speaker's response when an incensed Nationals MP Pat Conaghan made an official complaint about Mr Chandler-Mather’s “state of undress”? She was unperturbed, declaring he had not violated standing orders.
Me Chandler-Mather said later: “It’s completely bizarre that I need to dress up like a businessman when this place is supposed to represent all Australians. I stood up to talk about the housing crisis and the Libs wanted to talk about my tie.
Are the days of the tie dead? When was the last time you wore a tie? Who remembers when you couldn’t wear designer jeans to a nightclub – even if they had cost a lot?
Pants, jacket, shirt, and tie are not independent pieces, but are interconnected parts. They are designed to be worn together.
The word bogan comes to mind!