Mr ALBANESE (3:03 PM) —My question is addressed to the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. I refer to the minister’s answers to my question in the House yesterday regarding the Liberal Party leadership. If and when the Prime Minister retires, will the minister be a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party?

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop —Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Standing order 98(c) says that a question not on a matter associated with his business is out of order.

The SPEAKER —The member for Mackellar raises a valid point of order. The question is out of order. Does the member for Grayndler wish to rephrase that question?

Mr ALBANESE —Mr Speaker, I wish to refer to the standing orders which refer to—

The SPEAKER —The member for Grayndler will resume his seat. The member for Grayndler is aware that I have ruled that question out of order.

Mr ALBANESE —Does the minister want to answer it?

The SPEAKER —The question is out of order.

Mr ALBANESE —What can be more within the minister’s responsibilities than whether he is going to—

The SPEAKER —The member will resume his seat. As he is well aware, that is a question on a party matter.

Mr McMullan —Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I ask you to reflect on that ruling. You have now created the situation—

The SPEAKER —The member—

Mr McMullan —With respect, Mr Speaker, I am entitled to make my point.

The SPEAKER —The member for Fraser would be well aware that if he wishes to raise questions with the Speaker then he will do so at the appropriate time.

Mr McMullan —Mr Speaker, I am not raising a question; I am raising a point of order. The implication of your ruling is that this is the only place in Australia where that question cannot be asked. How can that be what the standing orders—

The SPEAKER —The member for Fraser will resume his seat.