Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, 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 honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

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

Most grievously, on two occasions in question time today.

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

Please proceed.

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

On the first occasion I was misrepresented by the Prime Minister who said repeatedly in question time today that I had (1) ripped money out of the public hospital system, (2) failed to increase GP training places and (3) failed to increase nurse training places. All three of these are absolute and total untruths. The second matter of misrepresentation was when the Treasurer in answering a question today claimed that I and indeed everyone on this side of the House had voted against the guarantee legislation. That is absolutely wrong. We supported it and he should not tell lies.

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

Order! The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw the last remark.

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

I withdraw, Mr Speaker.

Andrew Laming (Bowman, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

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

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Andrew Laming (Bowman, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I do.

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

Please proceed.

Andrew Laming (Bowman, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the doors this morning I said very clearly that, with only 46 per cent of Australia’s current immigration intake finding jobs in skilled professions, the Australian population was highly unlikely to accept the current program. I actually complimented the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship on reviewing this area and I think it is completely wrong to infer that I made any comment against skilled migration.

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

Whilst the member did not debate the personal explanation, he did not quite explain who uttered the misrepresentation, but I think we got the message.