Disability advocates have criticised the federal government and opposition for not allowing a newly-elected senator to have an Auslan interpreter by his side during his first speech.
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Independent ACT senator David Pocock made the landmark request to the chamber after being asked by community members to consider having his speech live translated for people who are deaf or hearing impaired.
Senate conventions require approval from the government, opposition and crossbench to have a "stranger in the house", which Senator Pocock requested to ensure an interpreter could stand next to him and feature in the broadcast.
It is understood the Greens consented to having an Auslan interpreter on the floor of the chamber but the government and the opposition refused the request, citing concerns for the precedent it would set.
In a statement, Deaf Australia said it was deeply concerned by the lack of foresight and regard for accessibility by the government and opposition.
The major parties have proven inclusion and accessibility is "never a certainty in political settings", the statement said.
With one in six Australians experiencing hearing loss, Senator Pocock said it was important for everyone to be more inclusive.
"People want a better, more collaborative parliament and that is what I want to help achieve," he said in a statement on Friday.
"For me, that means making our parliament more inclusive. I don't want some people in our community to feel excluded or separate."
Auslan translation has been a regular feature of public communication during the pandemic with interpreters standing alongside state, territory and federal leaders during updates.
While he appreciates the tradition and convention of the upper house, Senator Pocock said there was a strong case to update practice and better reflect community values.
"I am disappointed that the major parties have not supported my request to have an Auslan translator alongside me on the floor of the senate for my first speech," he said.
"Not only would this have provided a practical solution, it would have also sent a strong message of inclusion."
The senator said he would work with the Department of Parliamentary Services and the Senate to ensure his first speech is accessible to anyone watching either remotely or in the public gallery.
Australian Associated Press
