The Hon Alex Hawke MP
LABOR VOTE AGAINST MORE QUESTION TIME TRANSPARENCY – AGAIN
For the second time this parliamentary term, the Albanese Labor Government has chosen to arrogantly shut down more Question Time scrutiny by blocking reforms to the Standing Orders.
Today in the House of Representatives, Manager of Opposition Business Alex Hawke moved a motion which, if passed, would have seen Question Time end only after the Opposition had asked at least eight questions of the Government.
Instead, Labor’s latest changes to the Standing Orders will mean that, in effect, the Opposition will only be able to ask around 4 to 5 questions per Question Time. The Prime Minister decides when to end Question Time, and therefore how many questions are asked.
According to new data from the House of Representatives Procedure Office, not since the 37th Parliament have so few questions without notice been permitted to be asked of the Government by the Opposition.