PARLIAMENTARIANS were given a 10-minute "time out" this morning when Question Time was suspended after constant interjections and use of props.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Speaker Elise Archer pulled the pin on the fiery session mid-way through after Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff whipped out a chalkboard.
Mr Rockliff wielded the prop to give opposition parties an "F" for allegedly not supporting an additional 108 police, $76 million in health spending and Gonski funding by voicing opposition to its wage freeze bill.
Greens MHA Nick McKim laughed off the suggestion, saying the Education Minister was "on another planet" if he believed the former government coalition opposed Gonski funding.
Ms Archer was not amused by the chalkboard stunt or ensuing chaos, halting Question Time for the first time under her rein to give members time to settle down.
On her return to the chamber, Ms Archer reprimanded ministers for the "unacceptable" display.
The suspension shaved time off the hour-long Question Time, with the Speaker telling members disappointed with the reduction: "You only have yourselves to blame".
Earlier, wage freeze legislation again dominated the start to question time.
Labor Leader Bryan Green kicked off proceedings by accusing the government of employing "bullying" and "standover tactics" in the upper house, who will be ultimately responsible for the fate of the divisive bill.
His claims related to threats of 500 job losses, a damaged credit rating and danger to public services should the legislation not pass into law.
But Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Vanessa Goodwin slammed his claims.
"Your suggestion is absolutely preposterous ... I find it ridiculous that you're even suggesting that," Dr Goodwin fired back.
"You can suggest its bullying, but frankly I find that offensive."
Dr Goodwin said it was proper to inform Legislative Councillors of the "consequences" of voting down the wage freeze.
The abridged session rounded off with debate over regular late sitting times.
Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly, Michael Ferguson, again rose to give members notice Parliament would again sit late this evening so debate on the wage freeze could resume.
But opposition parties called the tactic into question, saying constant late sitting times were unsociable, unproductive and potentially unsafe.
Mr Ferguson said late sitting times were "very normal" and a constant feature of this particular sitting week each year.