Peter Costello (Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have a question to you, Mr Speaker. I drew the attention of the House earlier to the tendency of the member for Grayndler to stand in front of his frontbench looking at the camera. I wonder whether, when you view the videotape, you could look at his technique in doing that and whether you could also see whether, after he was ejected from the chamber today, this was taken up by the member for Lilley in his place? My question to you is: is it orderly for a member of parliament to stand, looking at their frontbench, in order to shield their frontbench from ministers when they are answering questions?

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Treasurer for his question. I believe it is in the same vein as the question raised by the Leader of the House, and I will look at it further.

Joel Fitzgibbon (Hunter, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Revenue) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I have a question for you which is on a similar subject. Is it orderly for ministers to turn their back on you while addressing the House? This is a habit that the Minister for Health and Ageing has developed, more than any other minister on that side of the House.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Hunter. There have been occasions when I have asked ministers to direct their questions to the microphone, and I am happy to do that again when required.