House debates

Thursday, 28 August 2008

Committees

Economics Committee; Membership

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

I have received advice from the Chief Opposition Whip that he has nominated Mr Ciobo to be a member of the Standing Committee on Economics in place of Mr Turnbull.

9:16 am

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

I move:

That Mr Turnbull be discharged from the Standing Committee on Economics and that, in his place, Mr Ciobo be appointed a member of the committee.

I do find it somewhat surprising that the shadow Treasurer is leaving the House economics committee, which I had the privilege to be on for a number of years. Perhaps he has other priorities, speaking to backbench members in his caucus, but it is quite extraordinary that you would have the shadow Treasurer resign from the key economics committee of this parliament, which traditionally the shadow Treasurer has been a member of. It is of concern that the divisions within the coalition appear to be stopping the senior members of the coalition from doing what is fundamental to their jobs.

Question agreed to.