Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Manager of Opposition Business. I'll make a couple of quick points. Certainly it's not the case that ministers can't also be questioned about policies for which they're responsible to the House. It's really the manner in which the question is asked. I point out to the Manager of Opposition Business that, certainly, on page 554 of Practice it does say, as he said, 'arrangements between parties'. It does mention 'coalition agreements on ministerial appointments', but before that it says 'for example'. So I will certainly reflect on the issue and reflect on some previous rulings, including those that are cited in the Practice. I think that in 1978 and 2006, certainly, the matter came up several days in a row. My recollection is I've allowed some but knocked back others. I think, probably, the complicating factors today were the ministerial issues for which the Deputy Prime Minister remains responsible and the Leader of the Opposition certainly doing his best by referring to the previous answer. But, obviously, I'll examine that issue. I'm always reflecting on these sorts of matters.

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