Urgent Debates Declined — Ombudsman’s Findings—Associate Minister of Health Withholding Official Information

I’ve received a letter from the Hon Megan Woods seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the Minister for Resources’ statement about a meeting with representatives of the mining industry. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. However, it does not meet the threshold for urgency to warrant the setting aside of the business of the House. It’s a matter that could be pursued through oral questions, or, if the member thinks the House is being deliberately mislead, it’s a matter of privilege.

I also received a letter from the Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall seeking to debate the Ombudsman’s finding about the Associate Minister of Health the Hon Casey Costello withholding official information. The urgent debate is a way of holding the Government to account for an action for which it is responsible. It is not a vehicle for addressing matters that are the responsibility of the Speaker, such as a report by an Officer of Parliament. The applications are therefore declined.