Terri Butler (Griffith, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have to say that I deeply enjoyed the member for Lyne's contribution. What was he talking about? The bit where he said 'the Messiah', I can only assume that that was an oblique reference to Handel's Messiah, because it is Christmas. When he said, 'Hallelujah, hallelujah', I assume that was what he was talking about—the Messiah. I assume that is why he would mention 'hallelujah'. Perhaps what was on his mind was that maybe Mal Brough, maybe the member for Fisher, is the Messiah. Is that why you mentioned hallelujah, Member? Maybe he is the Messiah? Is he the Messiah or is he just a naughty boy? It is a good question at this time of year.

I do not know whether you could call him the Messiah, a very naughty boy or the Special Minister of State—that is his actual title, of course, Mr Deputy Speaker. Not that you would know it from any of the contributions that have been made by the other side in this debate this afternoon. Not one of the first two speakers managed to mention the Special Minister of State. The third speaker, towards the end of his contribution, wandered in and thought that he might mention the Special Minister of State. And aren't we pleased he did! Because finally someone has actually decided to talk about what this debate is all about.

But you have to wonder: why are the National Party being sent in to defend the Special Minister of State? Why aren't there any Queenslanders here defending the Special Minister of State?

Mr Hutchinson interjecting—

Not yet, Member, but maybe we will hear that at the end of the debate. Why haven't we heard from Queenslanders? Why haven't we heard from Liberals? Why haven't we heard from any of his fellow ministers? Why is there no other minister in this House who is prepared to stand up for the Special Minister of State? Was it in fact the sound of a bus driving past that we heard in the middle of question time? Are we hearing ministers being thrown under a bus? I will tell you who is not the Messiah—speaking of people who are not the Messiah. Apparently the Prime Minister is not the Messiah.

See this speech in context