Senator Ralph Babet Defies Parliamentary Watchdog Over Offensive Social Media Posts
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) has found United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet in breach of the 2024 code of behaviour for parliamentarians, but the senator is refusing to accept any sanction. Babet, the sole senator for his party, has dismissed the findings as "dumb" and vowed not to undergo the mandated sensitivity training, escalating a conflict over parliamentary conduct and free speech.
IPSC Investigation Details and Breaches
In its first public statement since being established in October 2024 following the Set the Standard report, the IPSC revealed that Babet breached two key paragraphs of the code. The breaches stem from a social media post in November 2024 where Babet used the N-word and derogatory terms targeting gay and disabled individuals. A panel of three commissioners ruled that the posts were "offensive, disrespectful, and harmful" to participants in the commonwealth parliamentary workplace, violating principles that parliamentarians should foster a respectful environment and engage in robust debate with respect for diverse viewpoints.
Babet's Defiance and Criticism
Senator Babet has openly rejected the IPSC's authority, telling Guardian Australia that he believes "out of control" bureaucrats should not police his comments outside the parliamentary chamber. He labeled the commission as "very dangerous" and refused to comply with sanctions, including attending one-on-one workplace behaviour training by December 2025 and entering into a behaviour agreement to avoid using racist, homophobic, or sexist language until his term expires. Under IPSC rules, failure to comply allows the commission to make a public statement, which it has done in this case.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The Greens' democracy spokesperson, Stephanie Hodgins-May, criticized the IPSC's ruling, stating it exposes the watchdog as having "no real teeth." She argued that if a senator can ignore such a ruling, the system is broken, and she called for the matter to be referred to the Privileges Committee for potential stronger sanctions, such as fines or suspension. In contrast, a government spokesperson defended the IPSC's independence, noting it operates according to its legislation. This incident follows Babet's censure in the Senate earlier for hate speech, with former Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham condemning his comments as "repugnant" and "abhorrent."
Confusion Over IPSC Functionality
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe expressed confusion over the IPSC's handling of the case, suggesting it offers "no real insight" into how the watchdog functions. She raised concerns about the accountability system being controlled by politicians with their own interests, rather than operating at arm's length from politics. The IPSC typically keeps investigations confidential, but this public disclosure highlights challenges in enforcing parliamentary standards and ensuring consequences for misconduct.
