Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

It is very important that we suspend standing orders, because this Prime Minister needs to make amends to this parliament, to the people of Australia and to the people of Queensland for her words before the last election:

There will be no carbon tax under the government I lead.

She needs to make amends and that is what my motion gives her the chance to do. Imagine if the Prime Minister had gone to the last election saying, 'Yes, there will be a carbon tax under the government I lead.' Image if Premier Bligh had gone to the last election saying, 'Yes, there will be privatisation under the government I lead,' and, 'Yes, there will be a petrol tax under the government I lead.'

This is why standing orders must be suspended. The Prime Minister needs to be given the chance to atone for this breach of faith with the Australian people, because—

Mr Danby interjecting—

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