New Greens MP for Griffith Max Chandler Mather has had his dress sense criticised in the house while rising to ask his first question during Question Time without a tie.
Nationals MP Pat Conaghan interrupted Chandler Mather’s question on the availability of public housing to raise a point of order. “I draw your attention to the state of undress of the member,” he said.
In a question from the government’s side of the chamber, someone yelled, “did he pay you to say that?”
Question Time, Parliament House, Canberra. Greens member for Griffith Max Chandler-Mather.Credit:James Brickwood
In his first speech, Chandler Mather said, “technically, I should be kicked out of parliament if I don’t dress like a businessman, but you’re more than welcome to vote for laws that materially benefit corporations that also happen to donate millions of dollars to your political party.”
Chandler Mather’s question was about the effectiveness of Labor’s policy to build 4,000 social homes year for five years given the waiting list sits at over 160,000.
“Since 2018 the number has increased by 7600 homes a year on average,” Chandler Mather said.
“Your housing Australia Future Fund promises to build just 4,000 social homes a year for five years.”
The PM answered: “I indeed do understand the importance of having a secure roof over your head, and what that can do for the opportunity to advance in life. I know it because I have lived it. And that is one of the reasons why we went to the election with the substantial program, our housing Australia Future Fund, a $10 billion fund, the returns of which will be used to build around 30,000 social and affordable houses over the next five years.
“Part of my vision for the country is one whereby you won’t know what income people have by just looking at their postcode.”