Question Time

Questions on Notice

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): I seek leave to provide a brief explanation before asking a question of the Leader of the Government in this place regarding overdue and unanswered questions on notice.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: As of today, 13 questions on notice are overdue in this place, with some of those questions being overdue by over three months. My questions to the Leader of the Government in this place are:

1. Does the leader believe he is above standing order 98c?

2. What instructions does the leader provide to officers and departments and his fellow ministers in regard to the prioritising of questions on notice?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:26): I thank the honourable member for her question. I think, compared to the pages and pages, often, of questions left unanswered by Liberal governments of years gone by—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: As I said, of Liberal governments gone by. I am happy to have a look at the 13 questions—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —the honourable member refers to and to see from where they have come and to look to bring them back as soon as possible, as we always endeavour to do.