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?

10 comments

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!

Quite so, Sophie. And women should still be wearing whalebone corsets, hooped skirts and crotchless bloomers. There is just no taste or decency in these modern times.

Bogan and Pocock match

I've always thought it strange that a man would choose to start the day by tying a little noose around his neck!!

I've always thought it strange that a man would choose to start the day by tying a little noose around his neck!!

If the occasion is formal then a tie is required. The same applies to female attire, they must be dressed accordingly. 

If you are employed in a formal type of business then a tie is required. Employers' decision only. 

Wearing a tie does not make the person more intelligent.  This is a proven fact observed from past Parliaments.

No longer there to soak up sweat, a handkerchief substitute nor needed nor to tie the top of a shirt together.

Storm in a teacup. Look at all of the male Greens, not a tie in sight. Then it has to be asked if Thorpe's attire is acceptable and whether a Black Power salute is in line with parliamentary standards. We're in the middle of a cost of living crisis, power bills rising, fuel to increase 0.22¢/litre and, somehow, the way someone dresses goes front and centre?

 

This to me is very offensive.

Couldn't agree more Banjo. This sort of behaviour in Parliament is despicable. 

I would like to see her strongly reprimanded. 

The lack of a tie in parliament is the least of our worries at the moment with cost of living pressures, Ukraine/Taiwan conflicts and rampant diseases e.g. Covid, Monkeypox, Foot & Mouth.

Silly trivial business IMO. 

I agree with RnR. Much more to worry about than dress code. I'm more interested in the  parliament's efficiency to sort out the important things. Preferably without the sniping.

I have no problem with the absence of ties as long as the chaps look tidy. However, one could make an effort when swearing in.

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