Paul Neville (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Paul Neville (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Paul Neville (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In question time today, the Minister for Health and Ageing made two disparaging remarks about me that were totally untrue. In the first one she said that I promoted binge drinking. I have never endorsed binge drinking—in fact, I have promoted responsible drinking, which RTDs from the company in question have made a considerable contribution to. In the second one the minister criticised my choice of window display—the Bundy bear—which I have had in place for at least two terms of parliament. The display has never attracted any question. It is a light-hearted symbol of my town and it has taken the product in question to the sporting community, to Australia and to the world—and I am proud to represent that company.

Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the minister claim to have been misrepresented?

Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the Financial Review on 13 June there was a report stating that my office had recommended Mr Bruce Donald for a contract with the Office of Evaluation and Audit. The report stated that Mr Donald is a long-term friend of my senior advisers. This report was based on unverified and baseless accusations made by Senator Eric Abetz during Senate estimates. Senator Abetz is wrong.

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the minister claim to have been misrepresented?

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today in question time the Prime Minister called me a liar. The Prime Minister produced a statement, dated 8 June, by the member for Robertson. I am unable to find any evidence of that statement being released on 8 June. The media coverage is on 10 June. I ask that the Prime Minister produce evidence that that statement was released on 8 June.

Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has just accused the previous government of trying to buy votes.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Grey must show where he has been personally misrepresented. Unless the member for Grey can do that, he must resume his seat.

Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister made the implication that the votes were bought on my behalf in the town of Lock. As the minister pointed out—

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Grey cannot debate the matter. I think he has made his point.