Answers to Questions

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:37): My question is to the Leader of the Government. In view of the fact that we passed a motion yesterday to impose a 30-day time limit to answer questions on notice, will the government consider imposing a time frame for questions asked without notice, and if not, why not?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:38): It has been an issue that I have discussed with some of my ministerial colleagues and certainly the best endeavours from ministers will be to try to comply with the spirit and intent of the sessional order change that we have passed as a chamber. The model in the other states, by and large—I don't have the documentation with me—does relate to questions on notice. It hasn't related to questions without notice during question time but, certainly, I can indicate on behalf of my ministerial colleagues that we will endeavour to operate within the spirit and intent of the sessional order which relates to questions on notice.

When it comes to the work of the Standing Orders Committee, I am happy to explore what, if any, provisions exist in other jurisdictions that relate to questions without notice during question time where some aspect of them might be taken on notice. That can certainly be a discussion that we can have during the Standing Orders Committee. So, the answer to the question is yes; we have followed and will significantly follow the precedence in other jurisdictions. On behalf of my ministerial colleagues, I give you the undertaking that, to the extent that we can, we will endeavour to comply with the spirit and intent of the sessional order in relation to questions that we take on notice during question time.