Labor Attempt to Dodge Questions
The Victorian Greens will today move two amendments to the Victorian Parliament Sessional Orders designed to improve democracy during this term of Parliament.
The Andrews Government wants to remove the requirement for ministers to respond adequately to questions during question time.
Previously, if the Speaker felt a response was inadequate, they had the power to direct ministers to provide a written response the following day. Greens deputy leader Ellen Sandell will move to ensure the Speaker retains this power so the government has less opportunity to dodge questions they don't want to answer.
Additionally, the Greens will move to reintroduce non-government business time enabling private member's bills to be introduced to the lower house.
The Victorian lower house is the only chamber in Australia that prevents independents, Greens and other non-government members from introducing and debating bills and motions.
Quote attributable to Ellen Sandell MP
"The public expects politicians to actually answer questions during Question Time, it’s really not a big ask. It is ridiculous that this Andrews Labor Government is changing the rules so that Ministers don’t even have to answer questions.”