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

My question is also to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. This morning, the deputy leader's colleague, the Minister for Immigration, said, 'Obviously the deputy leader in the party owes a special duty of care and a special loyalty to the leader.' Can the Minister explain to the House what sort of loyalty she showed to Brendan Nelson, then Malcolm Turnbull, then Tony Abbott and now Malcolm Turnbull again?

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is out of order. The standing orders are very clear. To have a question in order it has to make a connection with the Minister's responsibilities as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. She is the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, which is not something that she has responsibility for as a minister or in this House. It is very clear. I will hear the member for Watson. If the member for Sydney wants to rephrase the question to make a connection, I will give her that opportunity.

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

You will give her the opportunity to rephrase?

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes. The member for Sydney needs to make a connection to the minister's administration, portfolio responsibilities or statements in the House.