Points of Order — Replies to Written Questions—Timeliness

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. It relates to Standing Order 366(4). On 21 September I lodged a written question with the Minister of Police, relating to the Edwards case and the police decision not to prosecute. It was due for reply on 29 September. As of this morning the Minister’s office had not, contrary to the Standing Orders, replied at all. After some rather firm discussions between his office and mine this morning, today at precisely 2 p.m. I received an answer. We often get a little frustrated in this House in relation to Ministers not answering questions. Right now, I am left with the feeling that the Minister is deliberately flaunting the Standing Orders and toying with the Opposition in respect of answers. As the Standing Orders do not go beyond stating what recourse there is in order to bring Ministers into line, I ask you, Mr Speaker, what protection you can offer the House to stop us simply being mucked around like that.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: If the member had come to me a little while ago, I would have made sure that I used my office to get an answer pretty well straight away. But as he has asked me to look at that matter, I will.

Question time resumed.