UAP and LNP stood maskless in defence of the freedom to be stupid. They stood firm against the socialist notion of common sense

But there was a sharp divide in those who took up that advice.

In both the upper and lower houses, Labor and Greens MPs wore the masks.

But, for a handful of exceptions, Coalition MPs chose to exercise their free choice not to wear them – a decision that attracted plenty of pointed criticism on social media.

One pro-choice voice in the Parliament was that of Victorian Senator Ralph Babet, of the United Australia Party.

“Everyone should be able to make their own decisions as grown men or women,” he told The New Daily.

Indoor masks divide new Parliament from its outset

Indoor masks divide new Parliament from its outset