Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. In light of the minister's previous answer—and, indeed, his answers over the last week—why does the minister even bother turning up to question time?

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

Madam Speaker, on a point of order: there is some latitude given to opposition questioning, particularly new oppositions who are getting used to it, but that is not a question to the minister—it is not about responsibilities. It is simply a smear and it should be ruled out of order.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker, on the point of order: it is completely in order. It is telling that the Leader of the House could not refer to Practice or refer to a standing order. This goes to the very basis of whether or not a minister has arrived here to answer questions, and the opposition has every right to question why on earth he is here.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I intend to deal with the issue. Under standing order 100(d), questions must not contain arguments, inferences, imputation, insults, irony or hypothetical matter. I think the question fails on at least four issues. If the minister has a question and would like to rephrase it so it has some substance and is within the standing orders I would give him that opportunity.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker?

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I give the call to the Manager of Opposition Business, if he has something of substance to say.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The concern from the opposition was the question. If that is your ruling, it will be no different to the other answers we did not get any way.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I find that comment of the Manager of Opposition Business offensive and he will withdraw.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I withdraw, but it was not directed to you at all—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, I took it that way.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

it was directed to the minister.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I took it that way.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, it was absolutely directed to the minister.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member will resume his seat. I offered the member for Corio the opportunity to rephrase his question, should he wish. If he does not wish, I call the member for Dawson.