House debates Motions
Abbott Government; Attempted Censure
Adam Bandt Melbourne, Australian Greens
3:06 pm
I move:
That so much of standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the member for Melbourne from moving the following:
That in light of reports that government members of parliament have been tricked into supporting the petrol tax increase, this House urges the government to reconsider its unfair budget, including the proposal to raise $10 billion in revenue by removing the fuel tax credit for miners but keeping it for farmers.
People in the gallery and members of the public might be listening to this and may be surprised to know—
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Minister for Education
Madam Speaker, on a point of order: I move:
That member be no longer heard.
A division having been called and the bells being rung—
Mr Fitzgibbon interjecting—
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
I think that interjection is almost worthy of having to wear a bowler hat on your head to ask the question.
The question is that the member be no longer heard.
Cathy McGowan Indi, Independent
Speaker, I second the motion. There are two specific things in my question. Was there a trick—was there a deal? And who were the losers?
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Minister for Education
Madam Speaker, I move:
That the member be no longer heard.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The question is that the member be no longer heard.
Adam Bandt Melbourne, Australian Greens
Madam Speaker! There is no gag. The honourable member is not still speaking; she has concluded.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
I am sorry, that is not correct. There is a motion before the chair and the motion will be proceeded with. The question is that the member be no longer heard.
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Minister for Education
3:17 pm
Madam Speaker, is the question before the House that the motion be agreed to?
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
Indeed, it is. I thought you were on a point of order—do you wish to speak to the motion?
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Minister for Education
Yes, Madam Speaker. Obviously, the government will not be supporting this motion, because we want to get on with the business of governing.
The opposition has dropped the budget and got back into bed with the Greens! The opposition is criticising the government coalition while re-forming their own coalition with the Greens. And, of course, we will not be supporting the pantomime that now passes for an opposition—the circus that passes for an opposition—so I move:
That the motion be put.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
3:20 pm
We will now vote on the suspension motion. The question is that the standing and sessional orders be suspended to allow the member for Melbourne to move his motion.
The question now is that the motion moved by the member for Melbourne be agreed to.
Warren Truss Wide Bay, National Party, Leader of the Nationals
I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.