Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister justified replacing the former Prime Minister because he had 'not been capable of providing the economic leadership that our nation needs'.

Mr Christensen interjecting—

Given it was revealed in Fairfax media today that the Prime Minister has abandoned reform, hasn't the Prime Minister shown that he is not capable of providing the economic leadership that our nation needs?

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

Before I call the Prime Minister, the member for Dawson will reflect on my statements of yesterday and will not interject throughout question time, particularly when there is a question that I am trying to hear. The Prime Minister has the call.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question, and I do commend him on the even-handed way he is working through the Press Gallery. He went to the Guardian yesterday, then he moved on to The Australian and now he has moved on to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. I well understand the limited resources available to leaders of the opposition, but generally there are more reliable sources of information than newspaper columnists. The honourable member is sitting here today as the alternative Prime Minister and he presents himself as the alternative Prime Minister of Australia.

Today the Minister for Defence and I unveiled, released, the defence white paper. It involves a commitment to securing Australia's safety, promoting our regional security, massive investments right across our armed forces, the revitalisation of the Navy, and making investments in naval shipbuilding, which the Labor Party had completely and utterly abandoned for years. The Labor Party left the naval construction industry in a valley of death. They neglected our Defence Force budget—they slashed it.

Mr Champion interjecting—

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

The member for Wakefield is warned.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

They rendered Australia less safe. Yet on this day when such an important announcement is made, the opposition have no questions on the defence white paper.

Ms King interjecting—

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

The member for Ballarat will cease interjecting.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It all passes beyond them. They have no concern about Australia's national security. The best they can do is quote a newspaper columnist. The government is focused on the security of this nation.

An opposition member interjecting—

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

The Prime Minister will resume his seat.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have concluded my answer.

Opposition members interjecting—

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

The member for Wakefield has already been warned. The members for Hotham and Griffith will cease interjecting. They have been warned numerous times, and I have made very clear my intention to take action if persistent interjectors continue.