Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the reason that the Prime Minister hasn't sacked his employment minister that the Prime Minister is in this up to his neck?

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

I've got a problem with that question. It's very short and the last part was about 'in this'. It might be very obvious to members of the opposition what they're referring to, but I don't believe it conforms with standing orders.

Mr Rob Mitchell interjecting—

And I will tell you what: if you want to watch the rest of it back in your office, Second Deputy Speaker, I can accommodate you. I will hear from the Manager of Opposition Business.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Speaker, I move that so much of the standing and sessional orders—

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

No. The Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat. That's quite out of order. I'm ruling on the question and whether it's in order or not. I called you on the basis that you were going to do what you normally do and argue with me that the question is in order. The Manager of Opposition Business can resume his seat. This will be very simple. The question is out of order. I'm going to the next question.