Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that the government commissioned one of the big four accountancy firms as part of a due diligence process relating to a possible debt guarantee for Qantas at expense to the taxpayer?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Qantas asked us to consider a number of initiatives. We investigated them. We are going to free Qantas from the shackles of the Qantas Sale Act. We are not going to give them the debt guarantee that they sought because we do not believe in playing favourites between private companies. We believe in giving all private businesses the same fair deal—

Mr Shorten interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition had better remain quiet or he might be ejected.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on the same level playing field, and, once upon a time, so did Labor members. But I am afraid this is a very shrunken Labor Party and a very shrunken Leader of the Opposition.

Mr Albanese interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister will resume his seat.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have concluded my answer.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister has concluded his answer.

Mr Albanese interjecting—

I must say that the last time the member for Grayndler had a point of order, it was not one. So I would have hoped it was better.