Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Tourism and International Education) Share this | Hansard source

As I was just saying, as the local member in that area, I think it is quite pertinent that the minister make his opinion known on something that is happening in his patch. I would expect any member of parliament to be able to do that. We know that the only way that a member of the Labor Party can have an independent view is to resign from the parliament, because their rules do not allow them to have a differential perspective.

I think Minister Joyce should be able to, quite reasonably, make comments about what is going on in his electorate and make representations to his colleagues in that context. That is what we are elected to do. That is why we are here.