Tony Smith (Casey, Liberal Party, Deputy Chairman , Coalition Policy Development Committee) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I refer the foreign minister to the statement by the Prime Minister that the Labor Party is 'the party of truth telling'. I ask: in his dealings with the Prime Minister, has he always found this to be the case?

Peter Slipper (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rule the question out of order, because it does not refer to the minister's ministerial responsibilities.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on a point of order: I hear the ruling you have given, but I would simply point out to you that the last line of the question is very straightforwardly about the foreign minister's dealings with the Prime Minister. His dealings with the Prime Minister are an essential part of his portfolio. The question could not go more to his responsibilities.

Peter Slipper (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Manager of Opposition Business. I give the call to the honourable member for Fowler.