Urgent Debates Declined — Census 2018—Data Release Delay and Participation Rate

I have received a letter from the Hon Dr Nick Smith seeking to debate, under Standing Order 389, the delay in the release of census data and the participation rate in the census. This is a case of recent occurrence; the announcement that the release of census data would be delayed was made during the recent adjournment period. The census is a matter for which there is ministerial responsibility. The test for whether a particular case requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. The fact that the matter can be raised in a general debate such as the Estimates debate is a relevant factor—Speaker’s ruling 199/2. Dr Smith seeks to debate what occurred as well as future actions. These are matters that could be debated in the examination of Vote Statistics. In light of that fact, I’m not convinced that the matter is urgent enough to warrant setting aside the business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.