House debates Questions without Notice
Howard Government
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
2:57 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to his statement in the House on 21 June—the same day that Mark Textor provided the leaked polling report to the Prime Minister—that Mark Textor’s advice has been reasonably accurate over the years. Does the Prime Minister accept Mr Textor’s finding that the Howard government has become arrogant, complacent and reactive?
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Mackellar, Liberal Party
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I refer you to standing order 98(c), which sets out specifically what may be asked about and what may not be asked about. That was clearly out of order, and I would ask you to rule that way.
David Hawker Speaker
I have been listening carefully to the Manager of Opposition Business. Parts of that question will certainly be out of order, but he has not completed his question.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Does the Prime Minister accept Mr Textor’s finding that the Howard government has become arrogant, complacent and reactive? Does the Prime Minister also accept the accuracy of Mr Textor’s finding that there is ‘significant disillusionment with Liberals on the issue of broken promises and dishonesty’? Prime Minister, what are the broken promises that Mr Textor is talking about in his report?
David Hawker Speaker
In calling the Prime Minister, I point out that he is not responsible for someone else’s work; nonetheless, parts of that question are in order.
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
I analyse all the advice I get and I will extend the same courtesy to that question.