QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Ms WATSON-BROWN (Ryan) (14:46): My question is to the Prime Minister. Could the Prime Minister please inform the House if there were lobbyists or representatives of the gas industry at the Labor Party's budget night fundraiser? The SPEAKER: That is technically not allowed.

I only say that under standing orders and previous practice. Party affairs and matters, particularly of the nature raised, have always been ruled out of questions. Perhaps the member for Ryan would wish to rephrase her question, but she won't be able to ask that sort of question to any minister or the Prime Minister.

Ms WATSON-BROWN: It goes to the Prime Minister's official duties on budget night and his attendance at meetings with organisations and people seeking to influence government policy. I'm asking on behalf of the Australian people. The SPEAKER: I don't think we want to go down that road, member for Ryan.

It is pretty clear that those questions aren't allowed, but, if the Prime Minister wishes to give some comments to the House regarding that topic—I don't want to open this up too wide, but the Prime Minister can address it.