Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended for a period of five minutes to allow the Leader of the Opposition to apologise for and retract his reckless and irresponsible attack on the Secretary to the Treasury in Question Time yesterday at a time of global financial crisis.

(Quorum formed) Yesterday in question time the Leader of the Opposition overreached when he raised in a question of the Prime Minister the dismissal of the Secretary to the Treasury for misleading the cabinet. Given the global financial crisis, this overreach was indeed reckless and dangerous. This followed an interjection by the Manager of Opposition Business that Dr Henry was ‘just one voice’.

Dr Henry is a respected public servant who has served governments of both sides of this House with integrity and with honour. This is an institutional matter, not a political matter. At a time of global financial crisis, it is imperative that political leaders express their confidence in our economic institutions. Dr Henry is to appear this morning before the Senate estimates committee; he is appearing right now. It is important that there be no ambiguity as to whether he retains the confidence of all members of this House.

It does not need to be long. It should have been thought through by the Leader of the Opposition overnight. It should be concise. It should be clear. It should be straightforward. At a time of global financial crisis, it is imperative that there be complete confidence from this House in the Secretary of the Treasury. I commend the motion to the House.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The opposition does not support this suspension of standing orders to allow the Leader of the Opposition to come into the House. This is a stunt.

Government Members:

Government members interjecting—

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have got 10 minutes to speak actually, if I want to.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the question be now put.

Question put.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It would appear that the Leader of the Opposition has no intention of complying with the order of the House.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise on a point of order. On what basis is the Leader of the House being called to speak on this motion?

Bruce Scott (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The leader of opposition business in the House will resume his seat.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek your guidance, Mr Deputy Speaker. The motion has now been passed, the suspension of standing orders has been carried, allowing five minutes of debate on this matter. I am the leader of opposition business in the House today, and therefore I will step in and speak for five minutes on behalf—

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is no point of order. The member for Sturt will resume his seat.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy Speaker, it is quite clear that the Leader of the Opposition is not prepared to comply with a very simple request from the House of Representatives. That request was that he come in and apologise to—

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: on what basis is the Leader of the House now having a second bite of the cherry on this foolhardy, pathetic stunt? He has moved his motion; it has been passed. It is the opposition’s opportunity to speak to it, not for him to have a second go!

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Sturt will resume his seat! The Leader of the House, as the leader of government business in the House, has the right to talk about government business.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Given the fact the Leader of the Opposition is refusing to comply with the resolution of the House, I suggest that government business be brought on.