QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr TAYLOR (Hume—Leader of the Opposition) (14:58): My question is to the Prime Minister. In March last year, the Prime Minister said, 'I don't negotiate with the Greens.' When will you stop lying? The SPEAKER: I'm going to demand that be withdrawn immediately.

I'm tempted to take further action because this cannot— Mr Taylor interjecting— The SPEAKER: No, you're not going to be able to rephrase or withdraw. I made it crystal clear yesterday and the time before. You are demeaning the dignity of this House.

For 125 years those sorts of descriptors have not been used. Traditions and conventions are important in this House of Representatives, and I will uphold them every single day of my time as Speaker. An opposition member: Telling the truth's important too.

The SPEAKER: Order! I'm going to get the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw, to assist the House. Mr TAYLOR: I withdraw.

The SPEAKER: We'll move to the next question. An opposition member: Make him answer. The SPEAKER: Out of respect for the Leader of the Opposition, he's not being named, but if this continues, I'll be left with no other choice.

This is a deliberate defiance of the conventions and traditions of this House. I believe in traditions and conventions, and I want this House to uphold its principles and dignity. Language matters.

Every Speaker has followed this tradition. I don't know why those on the opposite benches cannot follow what every other person in this House has done.