Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources is not assisting at all. Quite clearly, a bit like yesterday, only the last part of the question is in order, and that's clearly in order. Normally I would agree with the Leader of the House on this matter because the statements of a private member are not the responsibility of the Prime Minister or any minister. This case is different, I believe, because there's enough of the statement quoted that relates to the change of Prime Minister and the prime ministership, and on balance I'm going to allow the question.

Mr Champion interjecting—

The member for Wakefield will not get to hear the answer. He can leave under standing order 94(a).

The member for Wakefield then left the chamber.

Honourable members interjecting—

Before the Prime Minister answers, I'll give members a tip: if it's quiet, it's probably a bad idea to interject; the moment has probably passed! The Prime Minister has the call.

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