Latika Bourke National political reporter June 16, 2015
Empty: The prime minister's chair. Photo: Melissa Adams
It may be an unwritten rule, but it's usually a rule nonetheless that of the many ways to get ahead in a workplace, publicly critiquing your boss is not one of them.
However, it's a life lesson not yet learned by one government MP, who has risked raising the ire of Prime Minister Tony Abbott by republishing a report card that graded the leader of his party with just a "D".
And the same report card gave Opposition Leader Bill Shorten a higher rating, awarding him a "C".
Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Photo: Andrew Meares
The Member for Hinkler, Keith Pitt, republished a "Voting Attendance Report Card" in his June issue of "Hinkler Headlines". The report card was originally published in two local newspapers.
The scorecard rates Mr Pitt and fellow Queensland LNP backbencher Wyatt Roy an "A" for their performance in Parliament on voting attendance.
But the report card awards Mr Abbott a dismal "D" - worse than the "C" given to Mr Shorten and the "B" awarded to Labor MP Justine Elliot, who represents a northern New South Wales electorate.
The voting attendance report card in MP Keith Pitt's electorate newsletter.
The only MP rated worse than Mr Abbott is PUP leader Clive Palmer, who was graded with an "F". The multi-millionaire with interests in mining and tourism often skips Parliament, citing that he has better things to do.
The leaflet says the data is based on voting records since 2006 as compiled by Open Australia – a volunteer organisation that collates data about elected representatives' work.
As Prime Minister, Mr Abbott would be "paired" with a Labor MP for low profile votes to free him up to attend to his Prime Ministerial duties.
Former Labor Treasurer Wayne Swan has previously accused Mr Abbott of being "drunk" and missing a key vote on the stimulus package designed to protect Australia against the global financial crisis. Mr Swan was ordered to withdraw.
Mr Pitt and Mr Abbott have been contacted for comment.
Government MP highlights Tony Abbott's poor voting record in electorate mail out
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