Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Treasurer. Yesterday, the Prime Minister said, 'a ratio of debt to GDP at about 50 or 60 per cent is a pretty good result'. Does the Treasurer agree with Captain Chaos?

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

I do not know that it really is much of a question. I call the honourable the Treasurer.

Opposition members interjecting—

I know it is Thursday and the usual behaviour exempts itself. If people are once again anxious for that early mark, to get the early plane or the bus, an arrangement can be made. If the honourable Treasurer wishes to answer the question, he may. But I find the question was not in order. I call the honourable member for Brisbane.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. It is a brand new precedent if answering questions is now optional for ministers. Madam Speaker, if that is the precedent—

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

The Member will resume his seat. If he cares to go back through previous editions of Hansard he will find plenty of precedent.