Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

This is the political party that decided that a good Speaker, in Harry Jenkins, needed to be axed on the last day of sittings and that Peter Slipper, the former member for Fisher, should be inserted in his place. And that did not end well! This is the political party of the New South Wales Labor Party that has been mired in corruption and discussions about corruption for decades—not just recently. Goodness knows what they got away with before the ICAC! It beggars belief to be lectured by the Labor Party when for six years of chaotic government they got rid of two prime ministers, they axed the Speaker in favour of Peter Slipper, the former member for Fisher and they supported Craig Thomson all the way through. And this is the man here who supported Craig Thomson; he supported him right through the process.

And Peter Slipper—it was written in the Daily Telegraph on 27 April:

On Tuesday, Ms Gillard said she supported Mr Slipper's planned return if a criminal investigation into misuse of entitlements cleared him first.

Mr Shorten was then on Sky News. Mr Shorten was asked about this support of Peter Slipper by Julia Gillard and he said:

BILL SHORTEN: I haven't seen what she said, but let me say I support what it is that she said.

DAVID SPEERS: Hang on, you haven't seen what she said...

BILL SHORTEN: But I support what my Prime Minister said, so.

DAVID SPEERS: Well what's your view?

BILL SHORTEN: Well my view is the Prime Minister's view is ...

…   …   …

DAVID SPEERS: But you don't know what that is.

BILL SHORTEN: Well, I'm sure she's right.

'I'm sure she is right'! Then he stabbed during her in the back! Now, with friends like Bill who needs enemies? And everybody in his caucus knows it to be true.

So the government will not be supporting the suspension of standing orders. We will be getting on with good government as soon as we have dispatched this particular motion.

Honourable members interjecting—

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