Three little letters, heavy with meaning, was all it took for question time to dissolve into chaos on Tuesday, leading to the Speaker guiding the Premier on parliamentary standing orders.
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Campbell Newman, answering a question from Independent MP and government critic Peter Wellington about court appearance time frames for international visitors charged with crimes, "urged" the Nicklin MP to "stop showing such active support for members of criminal motorcycle gangs".
Mr Newman was referencing Mr Wellington's advocacy on behalf of the so-called "Yandina 5", who had been charged under the government's anti-association laws.
Mr Wellington demanded he withdraw his comment.
"I withdraw," Mr Newman said.
"But I say it is time for the honourable member for Nicklin."
Which proved a "but" too far for Mr Wellington, a former police officer.
"That was not an unconditional withdrawal. The Premier is provocative," Mr Wellington said.
Mr Newman began again.
"We all know the member for Nicklin has clearly, by his words and deeds, indicated that he has supported members of criminal motorcycle gangs."
Mr Wellington asked for a second withdrawal, labelling the comments "untrue" and "offensive".
"I certainly withdraw, but again I urge ...," Mr Newman said, only to be interrupted again, this time by Speaker Fiona Simpson.
"Premier, I just give you some guidance in this matter. I do not know if you are going to make a condition upon your withdrawal, but using the word 'but' sometimes could be seen to lean to a conditional withdrawal," she said.
"I have said I withdraw, but I again say that ...," Mr Newman said, leading to Mr Wellington to complain that the Premier was "not listening", while the chamber erupted into laughs and cheers.
"My guidance, Premier, would be if you add the term 'but' it could be seen to be a conditional withdrawal. I give the Premier the call and ask him to pay attention to the standing orders."
Mr Newman used the opportunity to spruik the LNP candidate for Nicklin, Matt Trace, which led to Mr Wellington making another complaint to Ms Simpson.
"We have now moved into the realm of the honourable member not liking debate to occur in this place," Mr Newman said.
The chamber descended into yelling and it was several moments until Ms Simpson was able to restore order.
Mr Newman accused Mr Wellington of seeking "some sort of spurious protection under the standing orders" to avoid debate.
Mr Wellington told the Premier he would "take you on any day, any day - you name the date, the place and the time" and Ms Simpson had to ask Mr Wellington to "refrain from shouting into the microphone" as "it is difficult to understand you".
Mr Newman was again asked by Ms Simpson to withdraw. He did. And Ms Simpson moved on to the next question and quiet returned. For a few moments.
A date is yet to be set for the 2015 election.
