House debates

Tuesday, 7 August 2007

Questions without Notice

Howard Government

2:57 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of David HawkerDavid Hawker (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of David HawkerDavid Hawker (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of John HowardJohn Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I analyse all the advice I get and I will extend the same courtesy to that question.