Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Why has the Prime Minister previously described climate change as 'absolute crap'?

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

I am going to ask the member to rephrase the question.

Honourable members interjecting —

Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

It is indelicate, Mr Speaker—

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

I am asking you to rephrase the question without reference to the last section.

Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Why has the Prime Minister previously described climate change as 'absolutely not real'?

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is in order.

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

Mr Speaker, there was a colourful phrase that was used by me some years ago, but the quotation attributed to me by the member who asked the question is not accurate.

Tony Smith (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I call the next member, there is a level of interjection that I accept is a reality of question time, but, if I hear members interjecting repeatedly and loudly, I will obviously warn them. I accept that in a robust environment there will be a level of interjection.