Lindsay Tanner (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question to you, Mr Speaker, again relates to your ruling with respect to unparliamentary language.

Wilson Tuckey (O'Connor, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

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

The member for O’Connor will resume his seat. The member for Melbourne is asking a question, which I have not heard yet.

Lindsay Tanner (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

About five minutes ago the Minister for Transport and Regional Services at the dispatch box called the member for Brisbane ‘dishonest’. I would like to ask why you did not require him to withdraw.

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

The member for Melbourne would be well aware that, if he wishes to seek a withdrawal, he does so at the time, not after the event.

Lindsay Tanner (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I make two points in response: first, you have a capacity to intervene yourself. Clearly, you would have been able to hear that unparliamentary language; and, second, prior to my getting an opportunity, the Leader of the Opposition rose, you recognised him and there was an exchange between him and the minister. That was the first opportunity I had to raise the point.

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

The member for Melbourne would be aware that the chair has ruled on that matter. I do not wish to revisit it.