State Debt

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:42): My question is to the Premier. Given budget papers show the government is increasing debt by more than $3 billion over the forward estimates, can the Premier rule out any further increases to government debt?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Point of order, sir: that question doesn't comply with standing order 97 in relation to introducing facts without leave of the house.

The SPEAKER: I have the point of order. Is there a point of order on the point of order?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Yes, indeed, Mr Speaker.

The SPEAKER: It's not for me to really weigh in to the veracity of the facts but, if the member for Lee is introducing facts, he might want to consider asking for leave of the house.

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Mr Speaker, I submit to you that both Blackmore's Practice of the House of Assembly and Erskine May allow the provision of facts in the asking of a question in order to provide context for the question.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Point of order, sir: those are, of course, subject to the standing orders that we are operating under.

The SPEAKER: Yes, and standing order 97 says:

In putting any such question, a Member may not offer argument or opinion, nor may a Member offer any facts except by leave of the House and only so far as is necessary to explain the question.

So would the member for Lee like to seek leave of the house?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Yes, of course, Mr Speaker.

The SPEAKER: Is leave granted?

An honourable member: No.

The SPEAKER: Leave is not granted. The member for Elder. I will come back to the member for Lee. I was trying to help. Member for Elder.