Time and common sense have appropriately bourne witness to the disappearance of centuries-old parliamentary extravagances such as gowns, wigs, frilly cuffs, silly hats, parchment and even the drinks‘ cabinets.

Outmoded and more than faintly ridiculous, these trappings of elected office have faded into the mists of time.  

While everyone knows Australia has too many parliaments and a significant oversupply of politicians, we can at least be thankful that some of the ludicrous conventions of the governing class have now be consigned to the dustbin of history. 

Also well known to voters is that the very purpose of these observances was to make...