House debates

Wednesday, 16 February 2022

Questions without Notice

Minister For Education And Youth

2:54 pm

Photo of Graham PerrettGraham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that the minister for education's name has been taken off his door? Did this happen before or after there was a discussion in cabinet about him being sacked?

Photo of Andrew WallaceAndrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

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

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | | Hansard source

The Prime Minister is responsible for the economic management of this country, for national security, for guiding our country through a pandemic, for many things, but he is not responsible—I'm sorry to inform the member—for sign writing or for placement of door names in this building. That might come as a shock to this undergraduate member, who has never troubled the frontbench. This question cannot be in order.

Photo of Andrew WallaceAndrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Leader of the House will resume his seat. I'm happy to hear from the Manager of Opposition Business, if you want to be heard on it. The Manager of Opposition Business has the call.

Photo of Mr Tony BurkeMr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts) Share this | | Hansard source

There's only one minister whose name has been removed from their office door. If the Prime Minister wants to say, in his answer—

Photo of Andrew WallaceAndrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Manager of Opposition Business is not making a point of order. He is speaking to the point of order. I'm giving the Manager of Opposition Business an opportunity to respond. The Manager of Opposition Business has the call.

Photo of Mr Tony BurkeMr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts) Share this | | Hansard source

It's the advice from the Prime Minister's office and from the Prime Minister that causes the parliament to put the names of ministers on doors. If it's just a coincidence that, of all the ministers, it just happens to be the minister for education who's been disappeared in this way, then that can be the answer.

Photo of Andrew WallaceAndrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

I think I've heard the Manager of Opposition Business sufficiently; a valiant effort as it was. The question is out of order. It's not within the Prime Minister's purview. I will give the call to the member for Braddon.