Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I note that the Prime Minister leaves to go overseas tomorrow. I also note that, courtesy of American comedian John Oliver's video going viral on the internet, the Prime Minister is already putting Australia on the map. Will the Prime Minister raise his views on the science of climate change with President Obama next week, or are some jokes best left at home?

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

Before I ask the Prime Minister to accept the call, I would say to the member for Kingsford Smith: it is a little bit too smart. Under standing order 100, your so-called amusing remarks are against the standing orders. So I would say to the Prime Minister: you may answer the question but ignore those parts of the question which are clearly out of order.

Honourable members interjecting—

There will be some silence or someone will leave under 94(a).

Mr Shorten interjecting—

And it might be the Leader of the Opposition, if he does not desist.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am happy to take the question because, underneath the attempted humour, I presume there is a serious intent. The member asking the question wants to know what the policies of the United States government and the Australian government on climate change have in common. I can tell him that there is no carbon tax in the United States. There is no emissions trading scheme in the United States. This government is determined to ensure that there will be no carbon tax or emissions trading scheme here in Australia. What the United States is doing is taking sensible direct action steps to reduce its emissions, which is exactly what this government is proposing to do. We are proposing to put sensible measures in place to protect our environment. It is not sensible to protect the environment by damaging the economy, and that is why neither the United States nor Australia should have a carbon tax.

Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The former Treasurer, the member for Lilley, made a number of unparliamentary comments while the Prime Minister was speaking, and I ask that he withdraw.

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

The member for Lilley would assist the House if he withdraws unhelpful remarks.

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I withdraw.