Peter Slipper (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Trade and Competitiveness will resume his seat.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop interjecting—

I warn the honourable member for Mackellar! The member for Mackellar has the advantage over me as I did not hear it. The Leader of the Opposition did not take exception to it. I ask the Leader of the House: would he be prepared to facilitate the business of the House?

Government members interjecting—

Order! I did not hear what the term was, and I cannot require the term to be withdrawn unless I know what it is. If I know what it is, I am able to determine whether or not it ought to be withdrawn. I did ask the Leader of the House whether he would assist the House, but he was of the view that he had not made an unparliamentary statement. I did not hear it. On that basis, I would have called the honourable member for Menzies; however, the first member to rise was the minister for trade, who has the call.

Opposition members interjecting—

See this speech in context