House debates

Tuesday, 19 April 2016

Questions without Notice

Education Funding

2:38 pm

Photo of Kate EllisKate Ellis (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Education) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Given that it is the chaotic first day of the Prime Minister's marathon election campaign, we believe that Australians have a right to know—

Mr Fletcher interjecting

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Adelaide will resume her seat for a second. The Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government will cease interjecting. Though he is a long way from me I cannot hear the question from here. He will cease interjecting.

Ms Burke interjecting

The member for Chisholm will cease interjecting. I would like the member for Adelaide to resume her question again.

Mr Dutton interjecting

Mr Stephen Jones interjecting

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection will cease interjecting. The member for Throsby is delaying the member for Adelaide. The member for Adelaide will start her question again. The clock will start again.

Photo of Kate EllisKate Ellis (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Education) Share this | | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is to the Prime Minister. Given that today is the chaotic first day of the Prime Minister's marathon election campaign, Australians have a right to know: why did the Prime Minister suggest that every single dollar of Commonwealth funding for Australian public schools should be cut?

2:39 pm

Photo of Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

Neither the substance of the question nor the premise has any basis in fact. As for the first day of the second session of the 44th Parliament, I think it was remarkably efficient. The Senate concluded its vote on two items, rejecting one, the ABCC bill, and then abolishing the RSRT. It was a very efficient day's work from the Senate's point of view, and I have to say that the decision to recall the parliament on 18 April has proved to be one that has been met with enormous efficiency and dispatch.

Mr Dutton interjecting

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection will cease interjecting.