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

I second the motion. Mr Speaker, let me read some words to the members of this House. Let me quote from Hansard:

The core element of the Westminster system of government is ministerial accountability to parliament and to this House. The last time I looked, honourable members, the person who answers to this parliament on behalf of the government was called the Prime Minister—

Not the defence minister, not the foreign minister, but the Prime Minister. He is the core of the accountability system that is supposed to operate in this House today. Members, who said those words in February 2005?

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