Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Why has the Prime Minister previously described climate change as 'absolute crap'?

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am going to ask the member to rephrase the question.

Honourable members interjecting —

Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is indelicate, Mr Speaker—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am asking you to rephrase the question without reference to the last section.

Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Why has the Prime Minister previously described climate change as 'absolutely not real'?

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is in order.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, there was a colourful phrase that was used by me some years ago, but the quotation attributed to me by the member who asked the question is not accurate.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I call the next member, there is a level of interjection that I accept is a reality of question time, but, if I hear members interjecting repeatedly and loudly, I will obviously warn them. I accept that in a robust environment there will be a level of interjection.