Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

This is a serious question. If a quorum is called on Friday morning and then deferred to the end of the day, what is the position of parliamentary privilege throughout that day? How is parliamentary privilege affected? Are the proceedings of that Friday covered by parliamentary privilege? I see the Leader of the House shaking his head. I assume that the government has sought legal advice on this issue because it will affect the workings of this parliament and the standing of each member of this House. I invite the Leader of the House to assure all members that the issue of the status of parliamentary privilege has been the subject of legal advice.

One of this Prime Minister’s first acts has been to make it harder for members to achieve a work-life balance during the sitting schedule. While the Prime Minister clearly has no concern for his parliamentary colleagues and is willing to sacrifice their time on the altar of his insatiable quest for media attention, he should display some compassion for the families of members. The Prime Minister spent the last 12 months using the phrase ‘working families’. He should think about the partners, children and extended family members patiently waiting at home. These people are the real losers from this farcical arrangement. However, if we are to work a five-day parliamentary week, that is fine, I will be here. But it must be a full and proper working parliament for those five days. That is why I support the amendments moved by the Manager of Opposition Business that Friday be a proper scheduled sitting day with a question time, with a matter of public importance and with the Prime Minister and all his ministry present. The issue of parliamentary privilege will not then arise.

Respect for the institution of the parliament dictates that the government should not treat sitting days as the plaything of the Prime Minister. This should not be used as a basis for an attack on the reputation of members. Friday sittings must be full working days with divisions, quorums, a question time and an MPI. Anything less is a part-time parliament. The opposition will be the guardian of accountability. We will check the excesses and the arrogance of the executive. I challenge the government to put its money where its mouth is and support the opposition amendments. Otherwise, may the government be condemned for voting down amendments to have ministers and the Prime Minister attend a question time and have a matter of public importance on a scheduled sitting day. Try and explain that one in a five-second grab.

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