Question time in federal parliament

QUESTION TIME IN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO SPIN

Its "very strong" record on reducing carbon emissions and what it plans post-2020.

WHAT LABOR WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

A free vote on same-sex marriage. How can the PM claim to lead the party of the individual when he will not allow individual members of his party to exercise a free vote? Opposition Leader Bill Shorten asks.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott responds by saying the coalition's "strong disposition" is to put the issue to the people in the next term of parliament.

"That side want a politician's choice, on this side we want the people to decide," the PM says, in what sounds like a re-run of the republic referendum debate 16 years ago ... and we all know what damage Abbott did to the Yes campaign then.

THEY SAID WHAT?

"The question was about his dog of a policy, not any other policy," Labor MP Pat Conroy questioning the direct relevance of PM's answer on climate change action.

"That tax," how the PM refers to the GST when asked about a suggestion it be increased to 15 per cent.

"I don't run a Stalinist party, unlike the member opposite," Abbott responding to Shorten's question about whether Liberal ministers would be sacked for crossing the floor on same-sex marriage.

OUT OF ORDER

"If he doesn't like it, if he doesn't like being called carbon Bill I withdraw," says the PM before the Speaker asks him to make an unqualified withdrawal, which he does.

TWEETED:

"Our gutless, pathetic, tricky, shameless PM on his feet right now working against #marriageequality as usual," Labor MP Terri Butler, co-sponsor of a cross-party bill due to be introduced to parliament next week.

"On Monday Abbott said politics was as an honourable calling, today he's saying it's illegitimate for 'politicians' to lead on #EqualMarriage," Labor MP Tim Watts.

"Labor's Anthony Albanese refers to infrastructure funds as "our (Labor's) money." Wrong Albo - it's taxpayer's money NOT yours," Liberal MP Andrew Nikolic.

"Warren Truss has RSI from cutting Labor ribbons on Albo's infrastructure projects," Labor MP Graham Perrett.

WHAT THE MICROPHONES DIDN'T PICK UP

"Remember Menzies!" Labor backbenchers goad Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg mimicking a comment he reportedly made in coalition party room meeting on gay marriage.

"I don't need advice from yesterday's biggest interjector," the Speaker chides Labor's Terri Butler for suggesting he kick Joe Hockey out of the chamber.

"That explains a lot," Labor's Nick Champion as the treasurer explains how he's been given great advice by Liberal Bert Van Manen.

MEANWHILE IN THE SENATE

Labor senators started a 10 second countdown as Minister of State Michael Ronaldson answered a question put to him by Palmer United senator Dio Wang.

President Stephen Parry was not amused: "I think this has been one of the worst question times. Can I ask that all senators consider the duty they have to the public of Australia to behave respectfully in this chamber?"