Sue Lines

Sue Lines is the President of the Australian Senate. She is currently newsworthy due to two separate issues involving parliamentary procedure and access. Firstly, a group of crossbenchers, including Senators Payman, Thorpe, and Faruqi, are urging her to take action to address what they perceive as increasing racism and bigotry within the parliament, demanding changes to parliamentary rules. They believe her intervention is crucial to prevent the erosion of democracy. Secondly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to Lines, along with the House Speaker Milton Dick, requesting a review of the policies governing access to Parliament House, specifically concerning sponsored passholders, including lobbyists. This move aims to increase transparency and rigour regarding access to the building's private areas. Lines' role as Senate President places her at the center of these debates, making her response and actions significant in shaping parliamentary conduct and access policies.