Malcolm Turnbull.
Earlier this week the Liberal politician Malcolm Turnbull lamented the standard of behaviour in our Federal Parliament.
The one-time Liberal leader (pictured) criticised the lack of trust in Australian politics and the often-ugly tone of debate during question time, which he called "nothing more than a forum for abuse, catcalling and spin".
Mr Turnbull himself was criticised for his views which some, particularly within his own party, saw as an attempt to attack the leadership credentials of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
But Mr Turnbull said the standard of debate had at times become vile and abusive.
It is appropriate then that one of the the first items on the agenda for next week's parliamentary sitting is a code of conduct for all MPs.
The legislation is sponsored by Independent MP Rob Oakeshott and will include a process for considering complaints against MPs and a revamped role for the privileges and members' interests committee.
It should be supported by the entire parliament and it will then be up to Leader of the House Anthony Albanese and his opposite, the Liberals' Christopher Pyne, to pull their troops into line and bring some respect back to parliament.
