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

My question relates to the matter that the member for O’Connor just raised. During question time the Leader of the Opposition asked the Prime Minister a question which included a reference to the quote that the member for O’Connor has just referred to. In response to that you stated that the Prime Minister is not required to comment on statements by backbenchers. Over the years there have been many occasions in my experience where government ministers, and indeed the Prime Minister, have been asked questions regarding statements made by government backbenchers, including as to whether such statements reflect government policy. Those questions have been allowed to stand as being in order. My question to you, Mr Speaker, is: under what standing order did you make the ruling that the Prime Minister is not required to comment on any statements made by backbenchers?

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

I thank the member for Melbourne. I refer him to the House of Representatives Practice, where it is quite clearly stated that previous occupants of the chair have ruled that part of a question out of order.