Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, in the light of the opposition’s concerns about what they claim was misbehaviour during the budget address-in-reply, could you please investigate the level of noise that consistently interrupted ministers during question time today and report back on measures taken to reduce it.

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

I thank the Leader of the House, and I would make the point that during question time—I have just added it up—I warned nine people about their behaviour.

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

Mr Speaker, could I ask you to perhaps view the videotape to see whether or not there was organised disruption coming from the member for Grayndler, in particular, leading by example, and ask you to apply the same level of scrutiny as the member for Grayndler asked you to apply earlier on today.

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

I thank the Treasurer. I will certainly view the DVD of question time.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, perhaps you can also ascertain from that tape whether indeed ministers encourage the regular chants from the Leader of the House about Medicare and from the Treasurer.

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

Order! The member for Grayndler will not debate questions.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I was asking a question of you.

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

The member for Grayndler will be well aware that I have already answered that question.