Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I refer to reports leaked from last night's full meeting of the government's ministry that the Minister for Foreign Affairs criticised the Prime Minister's handling of the budget. Given the foreign minister's criticism of the handling of last year's budget, will the foreign minister play a more hands-on role in future budgets?

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker, on a point of order: I am just wondering how this question could possibly be in order when it is based on gossip around the building rather than any kind of fact. It is just ascertain. At best it could be hypothetical, but it is actually just based on gossip. I do not know how the foreign minister can be expected to respond to it.

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

That is a reasonable point made by the Leader of the House. I call the honourable member for Berowra.

Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

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

Madam Speaker, on a point of order: that question was perfectly in order. It takes a form that has been used in this House for decades.

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

The member will resume his seat. He is contrary to standing order 100. I call the honourable member for Berowra.