House debates Questions without Notice
Asylum Seekers
Richard Marles Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection
2:21 pm
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. In light of the minister's previous answer—and, indeed, his answers over the last week—why does the minister even bother turning up to question time?
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Minister for Education
Madam Speaker, on a point of order: there is some latitude given to opposition questioning, particularly new oppositions who are getting used to it, but that is not a question to the minister—it is not about responsibilities. It is simply a smear and it should be ruled out of order.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, on the point of order: it is completely in order. It is telling that the Leader of the House could not refer to Practice or refer to a standing order. This goes to the very basis of whether or not a minister has arrived here to answer questions, and the opposition has every right to question why on earth he is here.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
I intend to deal with the issue. Under standing order 100(d), questions must not contain arguments, inferences, imputation, insults, irony or hypothetical matter. I think the question fails on at least four issues. If the minister has a question and would like to rephrase it so it has some substance and is within the standing orders I would give him that opportunity.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
I give the call to the Manager of Opposition Business, if he has something of substance to say.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
The concern from the opposition was the question. If that is your ruling, it will be no different to the other answers we did not get any way.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
I find that comment of the Manager of Opposition Business offensive and he will withdraw.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
I withdraw, but it was not directed to you at all—
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
it was directed to the minister.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
No, it was absolutely directed to the minister.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The member will resume his seat. I offered the member for Corio the opportunity to rephrase his question, should he wish. If he does not wish, I call the member for Dawson.