Parliamentary Procedure

Standing Orders Suspension

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (15:36): I move without notice:

That standing orders be and remain so far suspended to enable me to move a motion for the adoption of a sessional order in relation to answers to questions on notice.

The SPEAKER: There not being an absolute majority of the whole number of members of the house present, ring the bells.

An absolute majority of the whole number of members being present:

Motion carried.

The SPEAKER: Does the honourable member wish to speak in support of the proposed suspension motion?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (15:38): I do, indeed. I move pursuant to order:

That standing orders be and remain so far suspended to enable the adoption of a sessional order so as to provide that once a notice of a question has been given and placed on the Notice Paper pursuant to standing order 102, an answer to the question shall be delivered to the Clerk pursuant to standing order 103 not more than 30 days after the date on which it had first been printed on the Notice Paper.

I am delighted to both promote and support this initiative on behalf of the Marshall Liberal government to confirm our commitment to be a good and responsible government, including our accountability to this parliament.

Motion carried.