House debates Questions without Notice
Sinodinos, Senator Arthur
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:47 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. Given that Senator Sinodinos has not resigned his commission, his name is still on his ministerial office, he still has ministerial staff and he still appears on the government ministerial website, is Senator Sinodinos still receiving ministerial superannuation?
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
2:48 pm
Let me stress that Senator Sinodinos has done the right and honourable thing by stepping aside.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
Manager of Opposition Business, the Prime Minister has spoken for just a few seconds. You can listen to what is said.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
If I get up any later I will be frustrated, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
You may be frustrated. What is the point of order?
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
The point of order is under standing order 104(a). This question goes to the heart of whether the Prime Minister misled this parliament yesterday.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
You may not debate this standing order. The Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
But, Madam Speaker—
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
I wish to raise a different point of order under standing order 86.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
That is merely to do with having the right to make a point of order, which I have allowed you to do. If I see that it is only to interrupt the business of the answer, then I may not take note of it.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, in terms of the role of this House there is no principle more important and referred to more thoroughly in Practice
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
No, I am referring to Practice, Madam Speaker. I can quote from it.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
You will resume your seat. The Prime Minister has the call.
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
I will tell members opposite what they need to understand, which is that Senator Sinodinos has done the right and honourable thing.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
You misled the House yesterday.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
If the Manager of Opposition Business wishes to make that allegation, there are proper forms in the House, so he will withdraw that comment.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister will not deny that he misled the House yesterday. We have given him that opportunity.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The Manager of Opposition Business is out of order and acting in a disorderly manner. He knows the proper form of the House with which to deal with that is by substantive motion. He will either withdraw the comment or leave the chamber under standing order 94(a).
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, to the point of order: on all issues in the past you know that I have immediately withdrawn when you have asked me to. This is an important principle.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
I am sorry, the member will leave under standing order 94(a).
The member for Watson then left the chamber—
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
For the period which Senator Sinodinos stands aside, he will be allocated a backbench senator's office in the Senate wing, he will not receive his ministerial salary and his staff will be directed to work for the person acting in his stead, namely the Minister for Finance.