Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I say to the Manager of Opposition Business: having listened carefully to the question on my second attempt, and in listening to the answer, I understand the point he is seeking to make, but I am still judging that the Prime Minister is in order. He is talking about the Fair Work decision and the policy matter related to it. While there have been many occasions where members have asked very specific questions, where I have asked ministers to make their answer relevant to the question, the question is when they move into a different policy area. There have been many questions that have been asked that have been quite specific in demanding 'yes' or 'no' answers. Whilst you are entitled to ask those questions, there is no requirement at all for those answering the questions to give 'yes' or 'no' answers. At this point, having listened to the question carefully, I am judging that the Prime Minister is on the policy topic and is still in order.

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