House debates Questions without Notice

Member for Dobell

Monday, 21 May 2012 House of Representatives

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Mackellar, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Seniors

3:01 pm

My question is to the Special Minister of State. I ask the minister in his capacity as minister responsible for registered organisations, in particular as minister responsible for the operation of the New South Wales Labor Party: what steps has the minister taken to satisfy himself about all payments to the member for Dobell for his legal expenses and loans and that they have been appropriately declared to the authorities?

Ms Anna Burke

Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker

The member's question is out of order. It refers to party matters entirely.

Christopher Pyne

Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training

Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The Special Minister of State is responsible for registered organisations, including political parties. Their disclosure—

Ms Anna Burke

Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker

It was not what the question went to.

Christopher Pyne

Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training

It was. Their disclosure of donations, like legal fees and loans is therefore—

Mr Melham interjecting

Ms Anna Burke

Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker

The member for Banks is warned!

Christopher Pyne

Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training

very much within the purview of the Special Minister of State. Many questions of this nature have been asked over the years to the Special Minister of State about disclosure of donations, loans and legal fees.

Ms Anna Burke

Ms Anna Burke Deputy-Speaker

I have ruled the question out of order.