Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. This morning the former Deputy Prime Minister, the member for New England, refused to rule out a return to the job. How long does the current Deputy Prime Minister plan to stay in his role?

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

The Leader of the House, on a point of order?

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, clearly that is a question that is out of order. It doesn't ask about the responsibilities of the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. It is purely a political smear dressed as a question, and it shouldn't be allowed to be asked.

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

I'm happy to hear from the Manager of Opposition Business, but I don't think the question is in order at all.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, a point of order?

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

Take some time, yes. It's your time; go for it.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)) | Link to this | Hansard source

There have been constant occasions when a minister has been asked whether they will resign and whether they will continue in their role. Now, unusually, they don't normally get asked this on the second day in the job. But it is completely in order—

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

The Manager of Opposition Business can resume his seat. You could see how clear I was in my ruling. Clearly, I don't agree with those previous rulings. So, now that we have cleared that up, let's move to the next question.