Motions

Answers to Questions

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:19): I move:

That, during the present session, once a notice of question has been given and placed on the Notice Paper pursuant to standing order 98b, an answer to the question shall be delivered to the Clerk, pursuant to standing order 98c, not more than 30 days after the date on which it had been first printed on the Notice Paper.

This is a standard motion, similar to other standard motions we move at the start of the session. This is just a discipline upon the government to endeavour to provide answers to all questions on notice not more than 30 days after the date on which it had first been printed. It is an eminently good practice. It does provide a discipline on the government, and certainly the responses from the government, and ensures that, albeit we do fail occasionally, we do not end up, as the former government did, with thousands of questions that were unanswered.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:20): I rise to indicate that the opposition will be supporting this motion and note that some ministers seem better than others at abiding by the motion that was passed last time.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:20): I welcome this motion. I would also ask the government to confirm, in proceeding with this motion, what exposure will be given should it not be complied with. Will there be something on the Notice Paper that observes those questions which have not been answered more than 30 days after they were asked?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:21): In concluding the debate, the same procedures will apply as occurred in the past. My understanding is that the date of when the question is asked is publicly available on the website or the Notice Paper. If more than 30 days have expired, that is apparent to anybody who wants to read the website. On occasions, members of parliament highlight it to members of the media to say it is beyond the 30 days, or whatever it is, or a question is asked in the house to say the guideline has not been complied with. It will be publicly available.

Motion carried.