Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:00): My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to evidence in Senate estimates today that the government offered an inducement for the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission to resign. Was the Prime Minister or his office aware that the Attorney-General had authorised this inducement? The SPEAKER: I think the use of the word 'inducement' is debate and is of the nature of an allegation. I think I would prefer you to use another word. Mr Burke: Madam Speaker, on a point of order, the use of that particular word is because of specific evidence that has been given in Senate estimates and is only referring to it as has been given in evidence. Mr Pyne: Madam Speaker, on the point of order, I am sure you are entirely across it, but the reality is that, under standing order 100, it is acceptable for the Leader of the Opposition to ask factual questions based on fact, especially about a serious matter, but the word 'inducement' connotes a certain dishonesty and as a consequence, therefore, it would be out of order. If the Leader of the Opposition wants to ask a serious factual question about a serious matter then he should do so, and he would be better advised to do that than to mix it up with debate, as you pointed out in the point you made earlier. It offends standing order 100(d)—'Questions must not contain'—and therefore I would ask you to either rule it out of order or take another course where the Leader of the Opposition can withdraw that particular word. The SPEAKER: I think I would prefer you to use another term if you would like to rephrase your question. Mr SHORTEN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am happy to use another term. The SPEAKER: One that is suitable and in the same context as I am indicating. Mr SHORTEN: I think the context will become clear. Was the Prime Minister or his office aware that the resignation of the President of the Human Rights Commission was being sought on the authority of the Attorney-General, and was the Prime Minister or his office aware that a specific role was being offered to the President of the Human Rights Commission on the condition that she resign?