House debates Questions to the Speaker
Parliamentary Behaviour
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House
3:08 pm
Mr Speaker, in the light of the opposition’s concerns about what they claim was misbehaviour during the budget address-in-reply, could you please investigate the level of noise that consistently interrupted ministers during question time today and report back on measures taken to reduce it.
David Hawker Speaker
I thank the Leader of the House, and I would make the point that during question time—I have just added it up—I warned nine people about their behaviour.
Peter Costello Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer
3:09 pm
Mr Speaker, could I ask you to perhaps view the videotape to see whether or not there was organised disruption coming from the member for Grayndler, in particular, leading by example, and ask you to apply the same level of scrutiny as the member for Grayndler asked you to apply earlier on today.
David Hawker Speaker
I thank the Treasurer. I will certainly view the DVD of question time.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Mr Speaker, perhaps you can also ascertain from that tape whether indeed ministers encourage the regular chants from the Leader of the House about Medicare and from the Treasurer.
David Hawker Speaker
Order! The member for Grayndler will not debate questions.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Mr Speaker, I was asking a question of you.
David Hawker Speaker
The member for Grayndler will be well aware that I have already answered that question.