House debates Questions without Notice
Prime Minister
Tony Smith Casey, Liberal Party, Deputy Chairman , Coalition Policy Development Committee
3:07 pm
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
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
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
I thank the Manager of Opposition Business. I give the call to the honourable member for Fowler.