Joe Hockey clearly understood the political poison the Speaker had uncapped when he distanced himself from her on radio this week, agreeing her expenses were not a "good look" and that the helicopter trip did not pass "the sniff test". But there was a whiff of double standards about his comments; he spent $20,000 on VIP flights last year to sell his unpopular budget to party faithful (though the expenditure was within those spending guidelines which politicians seem to regularly drive a large jet through).

Bishop's extravagance only serves to reinforce the image created by the Treasurer's statements about poor people and cars, housing and good jobs, and the casual excesses of other ministers; that this is a government out of touch with the world beyond VIP flights, corporate pay packets, and $1000 hotel rooms and meals.

Nor does Ms Bishop's record as Speaker do more than disappoint. Supporting her candidacy, the Prime Minister said he wanted to restore dignity to Parliament: "That means a Speaker who can … act without fear nor favour … someone who is as tough on the government as on the opposition."

Even allowing for the "inherited acrimony" of the Rudd-Gillard years and an opposition's natural tendency to push the boundaries, Ms Bishop has not met the job description. Of 400 MPs ejected from Parliament during her time, 393 have been ALP members. Ms Bishop has not withdrawn from party room meetings, has hosted party fundraisers in the Speaker's suite and appeared on Q&A defending government policies. She has brought the impartiality and integrity of the Speaker into question.

Ms Bishop admits the helicopter flight was an error of judgment but insists claiming the cost was within the rules and the speaking engagement was part of her job as speaker. She said paying the money back was the biggest apology she could make. Not good enough. She is the ultimate arbiter of parliamentary behaviour. The highest standards must apply.