Andrew Southcott (Boothby, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Healthcare) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek clarification from you, Madam Deputy Speaker, on why you decided that the discussion has concluded when there were still members who wished to speak on the MPI.

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

I apologise. I did not see anyone stand. It was to our side, and I did not see anyone stand. I apologise if I have made that wrong call.

Dr Southcott interjecting—

It was to our side. I did not see anyone seeking the call. I moved to progress the business.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was the call to the government.

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

I apologise, it was to the government side.

Andrew Southcott (Boothby, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Healthcare) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand that the member for Bradfield was keen to speak next.

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

My absolute apologies. I did not see him stand.

Opposition members interjecting—

The member for Boothby may be right. I did not see him stand. The minister had sought to make a personal explanation. As there was nobody on my side—

An opposition member: On the government side.

On the government side. I apologise. It has been a very long week. On the government side, nobody had sought the call and so I put the question. If the opposition had chosen to put some people up on the Speaker's panel we might not be in this situation all the time.

Opposition members interjecting—

I am not implying anything. But there are implications—I am saying 'my side' and I should not be. All I am saying is that as is usual in a normal parliament there are various speakers from various parties and it evens out the contention of the House. That would be my conclusion.