Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) (3:11 PM) —Mr Speaker, I seek the indulgence of the chair to add to an answer.

The SPEAKER —The Prime Minister may proceed.

Mr HOWARD —Last Thursday the member for Perth asked a question about the employment status of a Mr Shane Denning and the impact of the Independent Contractors Bill. The member for Perth did provide some information on Mr Denning and the Office of Workplace Services was asked to investigate. I am informed that the information provided to the Office of Workplace Services was not sufficient to make an assessment of the status of Mr Denning. I am advised further that the Office of Workplace Services has been unable to contact Mr Denning to gather additional information. Further, I am advised that the Office of Workplace Services contacted the member for Perth’s office and they have refused to cooperate or provide any additional information on Mr Denning. So it appears that the member for Perth is happy to use constituents as a stunt in parliament but he is not interested in helping them to get answers to their questions.

Government members interjecting—

The SPEAKER —Order! Members on my right!

Mr Pyne interjecting—

The SPEAKER —The member for Sturt is warned!