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

Thank you, Madam Speaker. If I may, I absolutely agree with the Manager of Opposition Business that there was no reflection intended on you and it would have been disorderly of me to do so. But how could the member for Throsby seriously submit this matter for debate and then absent himself from the House? How could this happen? Under the circumstances I submit that it would be open to you to say, 'Well, really, obviously the matter which is most worthy of debate is that submitted by someone who is actually present in the House.' I suggest that you now put this matter forward for debate.

The SPEAKER: We are bringing on the order of the day. The Clerk.

Opposition members interjecting—

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