Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, this goes to the running of the parliament. Today, the government offered us a full question time—that was supposed to occur—and now question time has been shut down because this Prime Minister is under pressure. The fact is—

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

Mr Gosling interjecting—

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

Members on both sides. The member for Solomon. The Leader of the Opposition has the call.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We have been cooperative, and will continue to be, in order to allow this parliament to function under the difficult circumstances of restricted numbers et cetera. But the cooperation has to go two ways, and the government keeping its word would be a nice start.

Opposition members interjecting—

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

I just say to the Leader of the House and to all members present: any discussions that occur prior to question time are none of my business, but the Practice does point out clearly that the Prime Minister—or indeed a duty minister such as the Leader of the House, if the Prime Minister isn't here—can conclude question time at any time, even during the asking of a question.