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‘You’ve been told, Tanya, know your place’

Australian Government

Australian Government

An apparent snub from Governor General Peter Cosgrove aimed at Deputy Opposition leader Tanya Plibersek has been described as a quirk of protocol, by a government source familiar with parliament proceedings.

Sir Cosgrove swept past Ms Plibersek following an opening speech at the return of Australian Parliament on Monday.

On his way out of the chamber, Sir Cosgrove stopped to acknowledge Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Speaker Tony Smith and Opposition leader Bill Shorten.

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Labor MPs could be heard heckling the Governor-General during his speech, and jeered when Ms Plibersek put her hand out, but was passed over, one MP also called out: “you’ve been told, Tanya, know your place”.

But, it appeared Sir Cosgrove failed to see Ms Plibersek’s hand.

A government source told The New Daily protocol dictates that only the PM, Speaker and Opposition leader should be acknowledged after this opening speech and that Mr Joyce had “thrust” his hand out, a break with this procedure.

As Mr Joyce’s counterpart, it was not necessary to shake Ms Plibersek’s hand, despite her offer.

The Governor-General’s office declined to provide a comment.

Ms Plibersek later referred to the incident as a “storm in a teacup”, according to The Guardian, also confirming she had received a call from Sir Cosgrove but would not disclose the subject of the “private conversation”.

Parliament was recalled on Monday by Mr Turnbull to debate two contested bills that could spark a double dissolution election, if they fail to pass the Senate.

“I have on the advice of my ministers recalled you so these bills can be considered again, and their fates decided without further delay,” Sir Cosgrove said.

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