House debates Questions to the Speaker
Unparliamentary Language
Lindsay Tanner Melbourne, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
3:17 pm
My question to you, Mr Speaker, again relates to your ruling with respect to unparliamentary language.
Wilson Tuckey O'Connor, Liberal Party
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
David Hawker Speaker
The member for O’Connor will resume his seat. The member for Melbourne is asking a question, which I have not heard yet.
Lindsay Tanner Melbourne, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
About five minutes ago the Minister for Transport and Regional Services at the dispatch box called the member for Brisbane ‘dishonest’. I would like to ask why you did not require him to withdraw.
David Hawker Speaker
The member for Melbourne would be well aware that, if he wishes to seek a withdrawal, he does so at the time, not after the event.
Lindsay Tanner Melbourne, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Mr Speaker, I make two points in response: first, you have a capacity to intervene yourself. Clearly, you would have been able to hear that unparliamentary language; and, second, prior to my getting an opportunity, the Leader of the Opposition rose, you recognised him and there was an exchange between him and the minister. That was the first opportunity I had to raise the point.
David Hawker Speaker
The member for Melbourne would be aware that the chair has ruled on that matter. I do not wish to revisit it.