Victorian MP Tony Smith has taken over the Speaker’s role in the wake of Bronwyn Bishop’s resignation.
Mr Smith, who won a Liberal party room ballot 51-22 on Monday, said he would not be attending parliamentary party meetings – in a sharp contrast with his predecessor.
He defeated fellow Victorian Russell Broadbent in the final round of the ballot, which also included South Australian Andrew Southcott and Queenslander Ross Vasta.
Mr Smith said in his first words from the chair he would give a fair go to everyone.
‘Parliament is a robust place … it is the arena for the battle of ideas and ideals,’ he said.
‘But it needn’t be rude and it needn’t be loud – that is something I’d like to see improved.’
Mr Smith said he would meet regularly with the leader of the House, manager of opposition business and independent members to discuss the operation of the parliament.
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