General debates are as much of a free-for-all as the debating chamber has. There are no restrictions as to the topic of debate, so MPs can go wide, and let loose.
It's a great opportunity to try to get some traction on a political message.
Amy Adams has 'the call' in a full House. Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
The general debate this week was no different. Both sides of the House were portraying the other as in disarray.
But there were also quite a few moments when the chamber had to remember that free-for-all or not, there are still plenty of rules. The leeway that the Speaker allows only goes so far.
Listen to the story to hear both the party messages and some of the rules that still apply.
