Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek the indulgence of the chair to add to an answer.

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

The minister may proceed.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Earlier today the member for Lalor asked a number of questions about Medibank Private, which is a government owned business enterprise and the ministerial responsibility of the Minister for Finance and Administration. The member for Lalor was quoting from a document, and I have the document here. The document here is a perfectly reasonable attempt by Medibank Private to defend its reputation against predictable attacks. I am quoting from the relevant document:

For the purposes of the brief we have established a hypothetical but possible scenario: Julia Gillard arguing that the sale will mean higher premiums.

Not only is what Medibank Private has done perfectly legitimate; they sure—

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Ms Gillard interjecting

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

Order!

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

know the member for Lalor. They sure know her, don’t they? I table the document.

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You are an idiot!

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

Order! The member for Lalor has been warned and continues to interject. The member for Lalor will remove herself under standing order 94(a).

The member for Lalor then left the chamber.