Speaker’s new rules of the House
NEW Speaker in the House of Representatives Anna Burke is launching her own crusade to stop the avalanche of personality politics.
Ms Burke, who was elevated to Speaker last week following the resignation of Peter Slipper, was in Geelong yesterday to talk to students at Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College.
She said the national debate had been completely stifled by the personal attacks coming from both sides of politics and the public didn’t want to see politicians playing the man rather than the ball.
‘‘The public want us to talk about the issues of concern such as down here, the redevelopment of Geelong and the wonderful things that Deakin University brings to the area,’’ Ms Burke said.
‘‘Let’s talk about the things that matter to the people and leave the personalities aside — be vigorous and passionate about it in the parliament, but talk about the issues and not the personalities.’’
She spoke to the students about politics, leadership, being a female in a maledominated industry and her journey to the speakership.
Matthew Flinders teacher Greg Burgess said the group, including year 10 students studying politics and law, had a keen interest in the political process.
‘‘We are trying to broaden their horizons and inspire them, and Anna is a very accomplished politician with a high profile,’’ he said.
Just the second female speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms Burke described herself as an ‘‘accidental member of Parliament’’ after being handed the role of Speaker in April after Mr Slipper first stepped aside.
Her entry into politics was just as accidental 14 years ago, when she was asked to run in a safe Liberal seat.
She gave herself no chance of winning the Federal seat of Chisholm until the then Howard Government Minister Michael Wooldridge decided not to recontest at the 1998 election.
She told the students her journey was a reflection of her personal motto — ‘‘unto thy own self be true’’.
‘‘Anyone can get anywhere in this life, and being a female shouldn’t be an impediment,’’ she said. ‘‘Be who you are and be proud of it.’’