Marles, Richard, MP

Mr MARLES (Corio—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:04): My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the assistant minister for customs allowing the Pinnacle Club, an associated entity of the Victorian Liberal Party, to use his taxpayer funded office, his taxpayer-funded phone number and his ministerial PO box possibly consistent with the Prime Minister's ministerial standards? The SPEAKER: The Leader of the House— Opposition members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Members on my left! Mr Porter: Mr Speaker, it's certainly the case that that is asking the Prime Minister for an opinion, but, secondarily, there's no date that attaches to any of these allegations that have been made by members opposite. You had ample opportunity in your question to state a date. It's not even possible to know whether or not— Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Can I just remind members— Ms Catherine King interjecting— The SPEAKER: even the member for Ballarat, that the Manager of Opposition Business is actually trying to hear as well. I want to hear from the Leader of the House. I half-heard what he was saying about a date. I'm interested in how that's relevant. Mr Porter: Without any kind of specifics over what it is that the member opposite alleges, all that is left is seeking an opinion from the Prime Minister. The SPEAKER: I just have to say to the Leader of the House that the question is in order. It's asking about the Prime Minister's ministerial code. It's asking about a minister. If your reference to the date is that you think it may predate the minister, the question is about the assistant minister for customs. He has been the assistant minister for customs since the last election. Prime Ministers can be asked about whether they think ministers and assistant ministers are abiding by the code. There have been many questions like that.