ACT politicians have been warned to speak in English in the parliament or provide a transcribed copy of their speech beforehand to the Speaker, after several reverted to their mother languages in the debate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Liberals MLAs Elizabeth Kikkert and Elizabeth Lee both briefly spoke in their natives tongues in support of a motion by Liberal leader Alistair Coe calling on the ACT to celebrate International Mother Language Day on Wednesday.
Mrs Kikkert addressed the Assembly for about 30 seconds in her native Tongan, before translating what she had said.
Ms Lee spoke in her first language, Korean for about eight seconds.
Speaker Joy Burch said while their speeches in their native tongues were a "great contribution" to the debate, she needed to understand what was speaking said to maintain order and asked for a transcribed copy beforehand.
This followed the convention of the House of Representatives, although she noted there was "no specific rule set down for the house to follow".
"The reason for this is [so] members and those listening are able to follow the debate and it is unlikely the chair, given I don't speak Tongan or Korean, would be able to follow that debate. I note thankfully, and I want to thank you, that you provided Hansard with a copy straight after and thank you for that.
"I don't want to hamper the debate, we're a progressive, diverse Assembly but I just ask when you do that, and there will be appropriate and right ful times that you do, that you provide the chair and Hansard with a copy so we can all follow the debates and the comments that you make."
