Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

The Manager of Opposition Business will cease interjecting. I will just make the point that the reason question time gets to this robust state is that some of the questions carry some pretty heavy character assessments in them as well. In allowing and encouraging free speech, I allow it on the basis that, once that question's been asked, it actually allows the responder to respond to the issue without the accusation simply standing there. I do object to members reflecting on each other in that way. I've always made the point that, if a member has a problem with the conduct of another member, they need to raise it with me or in the House, and no-one has. The Prime Minister has the call.

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