Joel Fitzgibbon (Hunter, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. What is the difference between the legal advice received with respect to Senator Canavan and the legal advice received with respect to the Deputy Prime Minister? How is it that Senator Canavan has had to step aside and the Deputy Prime Minister is still here? And will he table the advice?

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

We've had a very free-flowing debate on this subject. I am going to call the Prime Minister, but I remind members that I'm cautious about that balance between free-flowing debate and the standing orders that prohibit requests for legal opinions.

Ms Collins interjecting—

I don't need any interjections; I really don't. The member for Franklin can leave under 94(a).

The member for Franklin then left the Chamber.

The SPEAKER: Given there have been discussions of these matters, through both questions and answers today, I'm going to allow the question. But it's very near to being ruled out by me. Can I say, many other Speakers would have ruled it out. I'm just saying that in fairness.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. You've already referred to the standing orders about requesting legal advice, and the honourable member understands that the government does not provide the legal advice that it has received. As to the substance of the matter, I refer the honourable member to my earlier answers.