Page 455 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 21 March 2023
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Questions without notice shall not be concluded until non-Executive Members seeking to ask a question have asked at least the number of questions equivalent to the number of non-Executive Members present in the chamber from either party or group represented in the Assembly.
I note that this was changed in June last year. The Companion to the Standing Orders, in referring to that, states:
The standing orders do not place any restrictions on who may ask questions. However, the accepted practice—
as mentioned by the Chief Minister—
is that questions are asked by non-executive members. Ministers do not ask questions of other ministers. There is also nothing in the standing orders to prevent the Speaker from asking questions, although the practice has been that they do not.
Ms Cheyne: A new precedent.
MR ACTING SPEAKER: I think it is debatable whether it is a new precedent or not, because I am sitting here as the Acting Speaker. I am sure there will be further discussion about it, but that is my ruling today.
Papers
Mr Acting Speaker presented the following papers:
Auditor-General Act, pursuant to subsection 17(5)—Auditor-General’s Report No 1/2023—Construction occupations licensing, dated 16 March 2023.
Bills referred to Committees, pursuant to resolution of the Assembly of 2 December 2020, as amended—Correspondence—
Bills—Inquiry—
Appropriation Bill 2022-2023 (No 2) and Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2022-2023 (No 2)—Copy of letter to the Speaker from the Chair, Standing Committee on Public Accounts, dated 15 February 2023.
Bills—Not inquired into—
Motor Accident Injuries Amendment Bill 2023—Copy of letter to the Speaker from the Chair, Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and Economic Equality, dated 16 February 2023.
Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2023—Copy of letter to the Speaker from the Chair, Standing Committee on Planning, Transport and City Services, dated 23 February 2023.
Standing order 191—Amendments to:
Animal Management and Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, dated 13 and 15 February 2023.
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