Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Before I call the minister I am going to point out at the outset that questions of this nature are problematic, and I am going to explain the thinking that I have. Standing orders make it very clear that ministers can only be asked questions about matters for which they are responsible. The Practice also makes it very clear that ministers cannot be asked questions about former ministerial responsibilities that they have had. It makes that very clear indeed. In fact, the member for Isaacs on 23 November asked questions of the former Special Minister of State specifically making a hook to the minister's ministerial responsibilities as Special Minister of State which is why on that narrow basis I allowed the questions. With respect to the ministerial code, the minister responsible for that is the Prime Minister. At this point I do not think the question is in order, but I am happy to hear from the Manager of Opposition Business.

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