Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to his statement at his press conference in Japan on 11 June. In answer to questions about the member for Robertson, he said:

There appears to be a pattern of unacceptable behaviour here.

Will the Prime Minister explain what he meant by ‘a pattern of unacceptable behaviour’?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. That question is clearly outside the standing orders. The statement speaks for itself, and the question is out of order.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If the Deputy Leader of the Opposition wants to speak to the point of order, I will allow her to do so. At the moment, I see it as being similar to a couple of questions from yesterday, but I will allow the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to approach the box.

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, in framing this question I ensured that it went to the statements of the Prime Minister—his statements, his action, what he meant by what he said. The question is not in relation to the behaviour of the member for Robertson; it is in relation to what the Prime Minister said—his own statement in relation to his actions.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for her points. As I said yesterday, I am trying to be consistent with the rulings that I have given—and, to be consistent with the rulings that I have given, I would have to rule it out of order.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on what basis is a question about a statement by the Prime Minister out of order? What standing order? Where is it?

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! It is under the standing order that was raised yesterday. Also, I am quoting again from page 538:

… the attitude behaviour or actions of a member of parliament or the staff of members …

And the comment was made outside the chamber. As I said, that is my ruling. Is there a further point of order?

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, page 538 of the House Of Representatives Practice does not specifically exclude this question. Identify for me the particular area on page 538 that says you cannot ask the Prime Minister a question about his words.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have ruled the question out of order. The member for North Sydney will resume his seat. On this occasion, I will offer the Deputy Leader of the Opposition the opportunity to rephrase the question.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If she does not want to, I will just continue with question time.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, the member for North Sydney and the member for Menzies will resume their places.