House debates Questions without Notice
Australian Water Holdings
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:38 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. Has the Prime Minister ever discussed Australian Water Holdings with Senator Sinodinos, and if so, when?
Ed Husic Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Treasurer
I hope your bikie shorts are made out of Teflon.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The member for Chifley will remove himself under standing order 94(a).
The member for Chifley then left the Chamber.
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
2:39 pm
I could understand the Leader of the Opposition's indignation if someone here had done the wrong thing, but Senator Sinodinos has done the right and honourable thing. An investigation into a company with which he was once associated is taking place. He has stepped aside until such time as the investigation concerning him has been concluded.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. There was no preamble to the question, it was a very specific question about what the Prime Minister knew.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, I am raising a point of order.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The Prime Minister has indicated he has completed his answer.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, I had the call. I was given the call—
Opposition members interjecting—
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
I call the Manager of Opposition Business on a point of order, and it had better be relevant.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, precisely. It is directly relevant, under 104(a)—
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
How. How can that not be—