Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Manager of Opposition Business. Just thinking about the matter now, again I think it would be in order for a question to be asked about that in question time if any member wanted to do that. When a question is taken on notice, the Manager of Opposition Business is correct: that can be answered in a number of ways. Not so recently, the practice of writing was certainly more common—or to lodge it with the Clerk or the rest. I think probably the approach I would take—because I haven't been asked something like this before—is to really align with the principle on questions that are asked on notice and answers to them. After a certain period has elapsed—I think it's 60 days—a member who hasn't had a reply to that question is entitled to rise after question time, as a number do, and request that I simply write to the minister, which I always do that day. But I can't compel the minister to answer the question.

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