Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Queensland budget released minutes ago which refers to a $16 billion cut for Queensland schools and hospitals. Is Premier Newman lying when he says $16 billion is being cut from Queensland hospitals and schools?

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

This is a difficulty in that the Prime Minister is not responsible for the Premier of Queensland. As such, the way it is currently phrased it is out of order. Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition wants to rephrase it to make it in order, but the Prime Minister is not responsible for what the Premier of Queensland does.

Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks, Madam Speaker. I will rephrase the question. The Commonwealth pays money to states. I understand that in another place there has been a $16 billion cut announced to Queensland schools and hospitals. Is Premier Newman lying when he contradicts the Prime Minister of Australia and says there is $16 billion worth of cuts? Who is telling the truth: the Prime Minister or Premier Newman?

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

The term 'lying' is also unparliamentary. I do not know that the rephrasing of the question helped very much and I think it is out of order. I think we will move on.