Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

The member for Melbourne will resume his seat.

Mr Bandt interjecting—

His microphone is not on. I say to the member for Melbourne and the member for Denison, as I said to the Treasurer last week, they know the rules on props. Please place the prop on the table. I would like to address the House.

Mr Bandt interjecting—

The member for Melbourne will resume his seat. I have got to inform the member for Melbourne: as far as anyone watching is concerned, he is on mute. As soon as I say, 'Resume your seat,' the microphone goes off.

I would like to now address the House. The minister will resume his seat.

Mr Pasin interjecting—

The member for Barker will cease interjecting. I would like to address the House without interruption; in fact, I will, without interruption. Anyone interrupting will be dealt with.

Last Thursday, I have to say, an undesirable prop was used here in the House, and this has occurred again today. If you look at the history of our parliamentary debate, this has occurred from time to time, but I am just giving fair warning now—

Mr Butler interjecting—

The member for Port Adelaide! I am giving fair warning now this is not going to become a regular occurrence in the House. So, like a game of musical chairs, that is it. Any further repetition of it I will need to deal with. As I said, it has happened from time to time, but it is not going to become a regular feature of question time.

Mr Joyce interjecting—

I say to the Deputy Prime Minister, who is midconversation, I find it quite unbecoming for the House and it is not going to become a regular feature of question time. The minister has the call.

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