House debates Questions without Notice
Liberal Party: Leadership
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
3:03 pm
My question is addressed to the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. I refer to the minister’s answers to my question in the House yesterday regarding the Liberal Party leadership. If and when the Prime Minister retires, will the minister be a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party?
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Mackellar, Liberal Party
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Standing order 98(c) says that a question not on a matter associated with his business is out of order.
David Hawker Speaker
The member for Mackellar raises a valid point of order. The question is out of order. Does the member for Grayndler wish to rephrase that question?
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Mr Speaker, I wish to refer to the standing orders which refer to—
David Hawker Speaker
The member for Grayndler will resume his seat. The member for Grayndler is aware that I have ruled that question out of order.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Does the minister want to answer it?
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
What can be more within the minister’s responsibilities than whether he is going to—
David Hawker Speaker
The member will resume his seat. As he is well aware, that is a question on a party matter.
Bob McMullan Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Federal/State Relations
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I ask you to reflect on that ruling. You have now created the situation—
Bob McMullan Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Federal/State Relations
With respect, Mr Speaker, I am entitled to make my point.
David Hawker Speaker
The member for Fraser would be well aware that if he wishes to raise questions with the Speaker then he will do so at the appropriate time.
Bob McMullan Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Federal/State Relations
Mr Speaker, I am not raising a question; I am raising a point of order. The implication of your ruling is that this is the only place in Australia where that question cannot be asked. How can that be what the standing orders—