Points of Order — Official Information Act Requests

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. As you are aware, the Opposition is dependent upon accurate information to be able to carry out its role of scrutinising the executive. I want to bring to your attention the fact that on 14 March of this year the office of the Hon Trevor Mallard, the Minister of Education, received an application under the Official Information Act from one of our staff seeking a range of material pertaining to a specific issue existing at that time to do with private school funding. It was acknowledged—

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I am sorry to interrupt the honourable member. I am not responsible for the Official Information Act. That is the Minister’s office; no responsibility for this Parliament.

Speaking to the point of order—

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I am not really involved in this. I cannot see how it is a point of order.

I was going to ask whether there was any way you could assist us here, but I guess the question is, in terms of the processes in this House, what courses of action are available, other than going to the Ombudsman, which uses time. So I am seeking advice.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: There are no processes in this House. This is a statutory requirement.