Senators warned to stop unruly back chat

Senators have been given a stern talking-to about recent unruly behaviour in parliament.

But Senate President Stephen Parry stopped short of threatening to change rules that would mimic the lower house, where the Speaker can eject MPs for disorderly behaviour.

As it stands now, senators must vote to boot out one of their own.

Senator Parry implored his colleagues to tone down the backchat and interjections.

"I have been very disappointed with the conduct of senators," he told them on Wednesday.

The president warned senators to play by the rules, respect their colleagues and consider the people they represented.

"This behaviour reflects poorly on individual senators and on the Senate as a whole," he said.

"People of Australia expect better behaviour and a more mature approach to senators' conduct in the place."

Senator Parry singled out the eight crossbenchers and "pockets" of other senators who did abide by the rules.

"Intelligent, witty and respectful interjection, whilst technically disorderly, can be tolerated and at times it can be welcome."