Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I hear what you have said so far on this matter. I would point out to you that in standing order 98(c) it says:

A Minister can only be questioned on the following matters, for which he or she is responsible or officially connected:

(i) public affairs;

(ii) administration; or

(iii) proceedings pending in the House.

I put it to you that, even if the Minister for Finance and Deregulation was being asked this question in place of the Special Minister of State, whom he represents in the House of Representatives, the Special Minister of State could not be asked this question because it is a question about candidate selection. The Special Minister of State would not be entitled to answer this question, either in this House or in the Senate. Therefore, I put it to you, Mr Speaker, how can it be relevant for the minister for finance to be asked a question that the minister he represents in this chamber could not be asked?

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