David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition has asked me a question, and I am intending to respond to his question. The Leader of the Opposition would be well aware that it is not the responsibility of the Speaker to respond to the question that he raised. If he wishes to raise a substantive motion on that issue, he is entitled to do so under the standing orders.

Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, my question is also to you and I ask it with the greatest of respect. Would you please review the tapes of question time today with the particular purpose of investigating the behaviour of the Leader of the Opposition, his constant interjecting, his infantile behaviour as he demonstrated just—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister will resume his seat. Any member is entitled to raise a question, but he is not entitled to reflect on the chair. I will review the tape, but I will not be revisiting decisions that have been made during question time.

Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I welcome that advice, and I do not seek to reflect on the chair, but further to my question I ask that you review the tape not to reflect on decisions or rulings that you have made but simply to demonstrate to you and to the House the continuing behaviour—the appalling behaviour—of a weak leader, somebody who should never be—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister will resume his seat.

Kim Beazley (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, are you aware that in the seat of Wentworth the total amount of benefits paid were $7.7 million; in North Sydney, $7.4 million; in Bradfield, $6.8 million; in Warringah, $6.3 million; and in Grayndler, $3.5 million? On that basis—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition will resume his seat. That is not an appropriate question to direct to the chair. That is a question that should be directed to the relevant minister.