Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:26 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that he will sack any cabinet minister who crosses the floor and votes in favour of marriage equality?
Government members interjecting —
Rob Mitchell McEwen, Australian Labor Party
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I ask that you ask the Treasurer to withdraw the term that he used then.
Rob Mitchell McEwen, Australian Labor Party
Exactly right—it has been ruled out before, you can ask your friends behind you. It has been ruled out as unparliamentary in this term of parliament.
The SPEAKER: I ask the Treasurer, in the interests of the House, to withdraw.
Joe Hockey North Sydney, Liberal Party, Treasurer
I withdraw 'hypocrite'.
The SPEAKER: The Treasurer will withdraw in an unqualified way.
I withdraw.
Ms Butler interjecting —
The SPEAKER: I do not need advice in the form of an interjection from probably the biggest interjector yesterday. I remind all members to withdraw without reservation.
Clare O'Neil Hotham, Australian Labor Party
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
The SPEAKER: No, I am not taking a point of order; I am calling the Prime Minister.
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
2:27 pm
Unlike members opposite, I do not run a Stalinist party.
Opposition members interjecting —
I don't. Members opposite have these Stalinist rules but backbench members of the coalition always have a conscience vote. Members of the executive, as usual, as always, are bound by the policy of the government.