House debates Questions without Notice
Deputy Prime Minister
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)
2:22 pm
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?
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House
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
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)
Mr Speaker, a point of order?
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)
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
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.