Sketch: A peculiarly pandemic-era approach to distinguishing the political victors from the vanquished revealed itself as the ranks of parliamentarians assembled | tonyowright
Cannon roared, ceremonial and artillery smoke drifted, political combatants shook hands across a church aisle, the Governor-General rolled up in a Rolls-Royce and face masks emerged as the new political divide.
It seemed a curious departure from mainstream health advice on a day when Australia recorded the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalisations – 5433 – since the pandemic began. Greens leader Adam Bandt speaks with crossbench MP Zoe Daniel, after the administration of the oath or affirmation of allegiance to members in the House of Representatives.Greens leader Adam Bandt, leading a record four MPs in the lower house and 12 in the Senate, urged the new Speaker to broaden the traditional nod to the right and to the left , and to extend his gaze straight ahead to where the significant gathering of crossbenchers now sit.
Any Speaker reluctance these days is eased by pleasant perks such as a magnificent office with vast dining room, courtyard, and a salary of around $370,000.
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