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

I move:

That the business of the day be called on.

For the benefit of the House I might outline the government's proposal for the rest of the evening, which I have discussed with the Manager of Opposition Business in the House. Obviously we have not been through the valedictories, which would normally occur at this time of the year, because of the special circumstances of Bernard Wright's retirement. Of course, I would like to comment on the Clerk's retirement, as would the Manager of Opposition Business in the House.

Honourable Member:

An honourable member interjecting—

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

You have verbal diarrhoea, don't you? You really do.

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

Order! The Leader of the House will withdraw.

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

It is a very old expression. I withdraw, Madam Speaker, to assist the House.

Mr Albanese interjecting—

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

I think you are misdirected in something if that is the case.

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

Madam Speaker, you are one person I would not take on. The member for Grayndler, on the other hand, is easy meat. Madam Speaker, the government's proposal for the rest of the day is that we will now, with your indulgence, do valedictories as it is the end of the year. There is one bill after that, the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013, which the government intends to proceed with this evening. The longer the valedictories go on, of course, the longer that bill will take. That is an outline for House. I assume that we will be able to rise by about seven o'clock—and, I hope, no later than that.

Question agreed to.