Question Time

Questions on Notice

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about transparency.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: By this chamber's own resolution, the Legislative Council's sessional orders are clear: questions asked of the government must be answered within 30 days. Despite raising this issue last sitting week, as of today the opposition and crossbench have still not received answers to 23 questions on notice for which that 30-day period has expired. Several of these questions are outstanding from 8 February, more than three months ago. My questions to the Attorney are:

1. Why is his government not adhering to the council's sessional orders?

2. Why are they choosing not to be transparent or accountable to the people of South Australia?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:21): I thank the honourable member for her question. My understanding is there have been hundreds of questions on notice that have been answered. I want to thank, as I have before, and place on record my thanks to the many very hardworking members of the public sector of South Australia who spend hours and hours collating, finding information to inform, as is their role—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —to make sure members of this chamber are informed in the decisions that they make.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I understand several hundreds of questions—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —and I am sure that when answers are available to the questions that the member refers to, they will be tabled.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!