ABC ONLINE, HERALD SUN, THE AGE (Australia)
CANBERRA -Tony Abbott has become the first opposition leader in nearly 26 years to be thrown out of federal parliament, during a heated question time on school funding, reports ABC News.
Tony Abbott today was the first opposition leader to be ejected from parliament in 26 years. bit.ly/NVOcqc
— SBS News (@SBSNews) August 20, 2012
Mr Abbott, addressing the prime minister had called earlier government statements “lies, lies, lies.” The word “lie” is considered unparliamentary language explains the Herald Sun. He was asked by Acting Speaker Anna Burke to unconditionally withdraw his comments.
“”I withdraw but it’s still an untrue statement,”” Abbott replied, according to The Age.
Burke then told Mr Abbott to leave the chamber.
“”I asked you to do it without qualification – you could not help yourself,”” she said.
Tony Abbott kicked out of parliament: who knew politicians were so badly behaved? Oh, that’s right – everyone.news.com.au/national/abbot…
— GQ Australia (@GQAustralia) August 20, 2012
In the 111 years of parliament says the Herald Sun, only six opposition leaders have been thrown out. Today’s showdown was a continuation of a personal battle between Tony Abbott and Anna Burke, who has warned the opposition leader against repeated interjections.
Abbott isn’t one to sit quietly during question time, according to the Herald Sun: he frequently sledges Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
