It can also be worn in the Senate to make politicians stand out.

Queensland Senator Ian Macdonald wore a high visibility shirt while making a speech to repeal the mining tax last Thursday night. 

While a vest on the mine site reduces the chance of danger, it increases the ire of opposing senators if worn in the Senate. Naturally, the Greens and Labor senators voting against the repeal disliked Mr Macdonald’s choice in clothing. 

He was accused of advertising the pro-mining group and breaching the standard parliamentary dress code. 

Even Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan was angry enough to interrupt Mr Macdonald’s speech.

Mr Heffernan said he refused to wear a high visibility vest he was given by the Minerals Council of Australia, which he did not wear because it allowed advertising material to be used in the chamber. 

“I told the mining council to shove this,” he said. 

Deputy president Gavin Marshall said he had witnessed senators wearing many types of clothing while performing his duties in the Senate, from scarves to kilts. 

“I have noted Senator Macdonald at least has a tie on,” he said. 

Mr Macdonald said the high visibility shirt did not advertise specific mining groups. 

He acknowledged it might advertise him though, because the shirt had his name stitched on it. 

“I proudly wear a high visibility shirt for the support and solidarity of workers in the mining industry,” Mr Macdonald said. 

He said he was also supporting the many regional towns and communities in northern Australia that existed because of mining.