Andrew Robb (Goldstein, Liberal Party, Chairman of the Coalition Policy Development Committee) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to ask a question of you. I want to return to an explanation that you gave to the Manager of Opposition Business on a point of order regarding standing order 90. I listened very closely to what you had to say. I repeat the observation that I sought to make at the time: for the first two weeks of this parliamentary sitting period, after the new paradigm was supposedly established, I thought you very effectively stopped any argument or abuse or denigration. I must say I thought the atmosphere and the nature of question time was materially improved. I thought it was very constructive. I know the media did not enjoy it, but I think people watching it noticed a distinct difference. I just say to you that I think it has degenerated back into what it always was. I find it deeply frustrating and annoying, and I think many of my colleagues share that view. I simply ask why are you not in a position, after the resolution of the so-called new paradigm, to continue to do what I thought you did very effectively in the first two weeks.

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