Peter Slipper (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Pursuant to standing order 17, I lay on the table my warrant nominating the honourable members for Oxley, Newcastle, Bass and McEwen to be members of the Speaker's panel to assist the chair when requested to do so by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.

Mrs Mirabella interjecting—

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

I would ask the member for Indi to withdraw the unparliamentary remark.

Peter Slipper (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the House has an advantage over me insofar as I did not hear the remark. Is the honourable member for Indi prepared to assist the House by withdrawing the offensive term?

Sophie Mirabella (Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I will assist you, but I do not understand why the word 'Mensa' is unparliamentary.

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

That is not what she said.

Sophie Mirabella (Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I did.

Peter Slipper (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When an honourable member says that he or she did not say something, unless I hear it, I have to accept that honourable member's word.

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

I accept that. We are all accountable for our own actions.