House debates Questions without Notice
Advertising Campaigns
Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
3:01 pm
My question is again to the Prime Minister. I refer to his answer to my previous question where he confirmed that a taxpayer funded television advertising campaign does exist. How, Prime Minister, does that statement confirm—
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The Leader of the Opposition is verballing the Prime Minister.
David Hawker Speaker
The Leader of the House will resume his seat. The Leader of the Opposition has begun to ask a question. I will hear the question.
Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
I refer to the Prime Minister’s answer to my previous question when he confirmed that a taxpayer funded advertising campaign on climate change does exist. Prime Minister, how does that square with your assurance to this parliament only last Thursday that neither you, your department, your office or anyone else had authorised such a television advertising campaign on climate change? Prime Minister, have you not now confirmed out of your own mouth that you have misled the parliament?
David Hawker Speaker
I remind the Leader of the Opposition that he should not use the words ‘you’ or ‘your’.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Mackellar, Liberal Party
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The Leader of the Opposition, in that question, said that the Prime Minister misled the House. He may only do that by way of substantive motion and the question is out of order.
David Hawker Speaker
I have said to the Leader of the Opposition that he should not use the words ‘you’ or ‘your’ in his question. He did not use any words like ‘deliberate’. The question is in order.
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
If I can prolong the horseracing language, I think the Leader of the Opposition is pulling up a bit lame on this issue. I again direct the Leader of the Opposition to the answers I have given—the answer I gave last week and the answers I have given today. I do not have anything to add.