Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Just before I call the Prime Minister, I have listened carefully to the Leader of the Opposition's question.

Honourable members interjecting—

Members on both sides will cease interjecting. As the Practice makes clear, questions that go beyond the responsibilities of ministers are out of order. Page 554 of the Practice

Opposition members interjecting—

Members of my left and the member for Griffith—already, we are not even at a minute or so in! I am going to explain my position to the House. Page 554 of the Practice makes it very clear that ministers can only be questioned on matters for which they are responsible. No minister is responsible for the subject matter of the question, that being the Premier of Western Australia or the state party referred to in Western Australia. I am going to give the Manager of Opposition Business the call on a point of order.

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