House debates Questions without Notice

Australia-India Relationship

Monday, 21 November 2011 House of Representatives

Ms Julie Bishop

Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition

3:12 pm

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. When was the minister first informed of the Prime Minister's decision to overturn Labor's ban on uranium sales to India?

Kevin Rudd

Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs

I thank the opposition for this question. Mind you, I think it takes temerity for the opposition to ask any question about consultation, as a week or so ago the Leader of the Opposition announced a $750 million policy on superannuation without bothering to consult the shadow minister for finance. So, for anyone opposite to stand up and raise any question about consultation really takes the cake. The Australian Labor Party has some rules. Our rules are that any member of the party, from the Prime Minister to your local branch president, can put forward proposals for the party's national conference. That is what the Prime Minister has done. I support her right to do so.

Ms Julie Bishop

Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Clearly, the foreign minister did not hear my question. When was he first informed?

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will resume her place. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has concluded his answer.