Unruly MPs to feel heat

BADLY behaving MPs could have their pay docked or face more sin-bin time under a crackdown on politicians who continually disrupt federal parliament.

An increase in “schoolyard” behaviour during Question Time in Canberra coincides with Australians tuning out of politicians’ antics in droves.

It is understood a committee reviewing federal parliament’s powers to punish rowdy behaviour is discussing the possibility of a $285 fine – the equivalent of one day’s travel allowance – for MPs who continue to flout the rules of debate.

An option to give the Speaker of the House of Representatives the power to impose a ban of up to six hours on repeat offenders is also being canvassed.