House debates

Monday, 20 August 2018

2:49 pm

Photo of Bill ShortenBill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's last answer. Is the Prime Minister's position that the parliament will only be allowed to see the legislation if we agree to vote for it before we've seen it?

2:50 pm

Photo of Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) | | Hansard source

I explained the circumstances in my press conference this morning. It's perfectly straightforward. We have a majority of one in this House. We need to have all, or almost all, of our party room to support legislation for the government to carry it on its own numbers. With respect to this matter, we're not in that position at this stage. We will continue talking to our colleagues.