House debates Questions without Notice
Infrastructure
Bob Katter Kennedy, Independent
2:49 pm
My question is to the Minister for Trade. Andrew Forrest said that the Western Australian government's refusal to build a key rail corridor set Western Australian mining back 23 years. Every inch of rail coal line in Queensland was built by the government. Whilst applauding the government on environmental issues in the Galilee, the government can build this rail line tomorrow. The real problem—the failure by Adani to raise capital—is the same problem as with Rinehart and Palmer. Build it tomorrow, Minister. (Time expired)
Tony Smith Speaker
I call the acting Leader of the House. I think I can anticipate your point of order.
Kevin Andrews Menzies, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence
Mr Speaker, with great respect to the member for Kennedy, he does not seem to understand the difference between a statement and a question. There was no question.
Tony Smith Speaker
There was no question; there was a 30-second statement.
Mr Katter interjecting—
The member for Kennedy will resume his seat.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. It has been a challenge in this House for decades that ministers have had to answer questions from the member for Kennedy. They have often been framed in a unique way, but for heaven's sake let the minister stand up and answer the question.
Kevin Andrews Menzies, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence
Mr Speaker, on the point of order: the member for Kennedy has been in this place longer than most people have been here. If he has not learnt the standing orders by now then he should suffer the consequences.
Tony Smith Speaker
You cannot make a point of order. I have called the next question.