Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. During the course of the Prime Minister's meeting on Sunday with Senator Payman at the Lodge, was she spoken to in an aggressive or intimidatory manner?

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've got some difficulties with that question, because we need to ensure that it is under the standing orders of Practice regarding conversations and party arrangements. I'll hear from the Leader of the House.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just go to the list on pages 553 and 554 of content of the exact nature that was part of that question as issues that go beyond what relates to the minister's responsibilities.

Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In relation to this matter, as you're well aware, the Prime Minister has made a number of statements both in the House and outside of the House in relation to Senator Payman. It's in the context, obviously, of his public acknowledgement of a meeting on Sunday, and it's completely and utterly within order.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

To assist the House, and to get the question over the line, perhaps the manager can rephrase the question about media reports about the indication of a meeting that took place, rather than just simply a conversation. It won't be within standing orders if it's just asking about a conversation. It's got to be directly related to a minister's or prime minister's responsibilities. The Manager of Opposition Business will get one more chance.

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I refer to comments the Prime Minister has made in this place about Senator Payman and to media reports about a meeting held by the Prime Minister with Senator Payman at the Lodge. Was Senator Payman, at that meeting, spoken to in an aggressive or intimidatory manner?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer is no. A short while ago I received a message from Senator Payman, addressed to me: 'Dear Prime Minister. Thank you for your leadership. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in the Australian Labor Party,' and it went on to indicate her resignation as a member of the ALP.