6th Feb 2020, 3:22 PM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister - Suspend the usual procedural rules

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition and Grayndler MP Anthony Albanese (Labor) to suspend the usual parliamentary procedural rules - known as standing orders - in order to let a vote happen.

Motion text

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition from moving the following motion immediately—That the House:

(1) notes the Prime Minister:

(a) is incapable of expressing regret and admitting when he is wrong;

(b )blames others and attempts to cover up his failings with false or misleading claims, including but in no way limited to the Prime Minister's:

(i) claim the response to the national bushfire crisis was a matter for the states and territories;

(ii) claim volunteer firefighters didn't need compensation because they wanted to be there;

(iii) statement that he didn't hold a hose when Australians were looking to him for national leadership in an unprecedented bushfire crisis; and

(iv) claim he had a conversation with a bushfire survivor who had lost everything when he instead forced her to shake his hand only to turn his back when she asked for help; and

(c) can't learn from his mistakes if he never admits them; and

(2) therefore, calls on the Prime Minister to put the national interest ahead of his political interest.