SENATE President Wade Mark issued a ruling on June 30, warning that the intimidation of senators whether inside or outside of Parliament, is a breach of privilege, and will not be tolerated.

His declaration came on the same day that the Senate began debate on the Prime Minister's Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to retroactively implement restrictions on the access of a lifetime pension for prime ministers who have not fulfilled certain criteria in terms of the amount of time spent in the Office of the Prime Minister.

While not referencing anyone, Mark's ruling also came days after a scathing public attack was made by a member of a political party who claimed independent senators – whose support is needed by government for this bill to be passed – were not truly independent as they were appointed by the President, who herself was a former member of a political party and who was appointed President when that party was in power.