Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, what discussions, meetings and arrangements have you or your office or any members of your cabinet been party to in relation to the departure of the member for Scullin as Speaker and the elevation of the member for Fisher?

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have to say that the question is an unexpected one given the tenor of remarks made when we dealt with your election, Mr Speaker, and the farewells to the member for Scullin. In answer to the question: the former Speaker, the member for Scullin, came to see me at 7.30 this morning and advised me that he would be tendering his resignation at 9 am. In relation to discussions with the current occupant of the Speaker's office, I have had no discussion with the Speaker, other than the public remarks I have made in this place.