Answers to Written Questions

The SPEAKER: I refer to the matters of privilege raised by the member for Willoughby and the member for Burrinjuck earlier today in relation to answers provided by Ministers to written questions. The only standing orders that relate to answers to questions are Standing Order 129, which provides that an answer must be relevant, and Standing Order 130, which provides that in answering a member shall not debate the matter to which the question relates. There are no special rules for answers to written questions, as distinct from answers provided in the House.

The Speaker has no power to direct a Minister how to answer a question. While members may be of the view that it is disrespectful for a Minister to answer a question by referring the member to a response provided to a member in the other House, it is not a breach of the standing orders or a matter of privilege. In addition, it is not a breach of the standing orders or a matter of privilege if a member is not satisfied with the answer to a question. However, I remind Ministers that they should respect the right of members to ask questions both in the House and in writing and endeavour to provide adequate answers.