QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (17:15): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Premier a question about questions without notice.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: Following the election on 20 March this year, the Premier indicated that the government needed to reconnect with the electorate. In the past, questions without notice have been asked of ministers; however, answers, if provided, are often given after a protracted period of time.

My question is: given the Premier's undertaking after the election, does this reconnection with the electorate include the matter of ministers answering questions without notice in a timely manner?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (17:15): I will refer the question to the Premier. In relation to questions asked of me in either this council or the other house, I certainly have a method of checking up and I answer all those questions that are my responsibility. Obviously, the onus is on other members to do likewise. I thank the honourable member for his question and I will refer it to the Premier.