Pauline Hanson's "ban the burqa" stunt could lead to a new dress code for the Australian Senate and a "time out" for MPs who breach the house rules.
Senate president Stephen Parry yesterday wrote to the Senate Standing Committee on Procedures asking it review the Upper House's dress code after the One Nation leader's controversial decision to wear the Islamic garb to Senate question time last month.
Parry also asked for the committee to consider introducing new powers for the Senate president and deputy president to suspend any member from the chamber for an hour if they breach standing orders.
"From a personal perspective, I am disappointed that Senate will be asked to consider implementing rules rather than rely upon the personal discretion and good judgment of all senators," he told senators in the Upper House yesterday.
In a direct rebuke to the One Nation leader, Parry called on all senators to keep the "respect and dignity of the senate" at the forefront of their minds until the committee made its recommendations.