An ordinary Australian woman’s question to politicians leaves them stunned: ‘Do that in any other job and you’ll be fired’
- MP Barnaby Joyce left speechless during Q+A
- Calls for a ban on phones by parliament, just like in schools
Two top politicians are furious after a woman asked them a question about using their mobile phones in parliament.
The audience at ABC’s Q+A asked MP Barnaby Joyce and Senator Tim Ayres why most politicians in the House are on their phones, while children are not allowed to use them in the classroom.
‘During the hour that we are allowed to watch you on TV, can’t you put your phone on silent or leave it by the door, just like school children?’
After the audience laughed, they both pleaded guilty. Presenter Patricia Karvelas joked: ‘My 12-year-old son went to parliament and said they’re playing Candy Crush.’
Mr Joyce replied to the questioner by saying, ‘You are absolutely right.’
“It’s a discussion that people have had and that has been banned in the past. Maybe after this program they’ll go that way.”
Mr Ayres admitted that when you look at your phone, you hope you don’t get caught by the Senate President.
“But you do get messages from the office more often, which you respond to and do a little bit of work,” he said.
Two top politicians were left red-faced after a woman (pictured) asked them a question about using their mobile phones in parliament
Assistant Trade Secretary Tim Ayres and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce on ABC’s Q+A
Social media users reacted angrily to the double standard, questioning why different rules apply to politicians than to regular employees.
“If you did that at any other job, you’d get fired,” one person said.
Another wrote: ‘If kids aren’t allowed to have phones in classrooms, I don’t understand why the adults who make the rules shouldn’t be allowed to do so.’
Since late last year, children in New South Wales have been banned from having their phones with them during lessons, recess and lunch.
The rule was introduced after it emerged that children were spending excessive amounts of time on social media apps, which was affecting their ability to learn.
All states, except the ACT and Tasmania, have already banned mobile phone use in state schools. However, private schools have no such ban.
Presenter Patricia Karvelas during the show
