Thursday, 17 August 2023

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Commonwealth Games

Sam GROTH (Nepean) (14:02): My question is to the Minister for Health. Last month, in relation to the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, the minister said:

Tough decisions have to be made when you’re in government … this was a tough decision, but it was the right decision …

The Premier stated in relation to the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games:

I’ve made a lot of difficult calls, a lot of very difficult decisions in this job. This is not one of them.

Why was it a tough decision for the minister?

Mary-Anne Thomas: On a point of order, Speaker, I am not quite sure how the question from the member for Nepean relates to my portfolios as health minister, health infrastructure minister or medical research minister, and I ask that you ask him to rephrase his question so that it relates to one of my portfolios.

James Newbury: On the point of order, Speaker, I understand why the minister would take a point of order to avoid answering a question in relation to her own quote. The question related to a statement the minister has publicly made. I am not sure how the minister is not responsible for her own words as minister.

The SPEAKER: Order! The question does not relate to the minister’s portfolio responsibilities. However, the minister can choose or choose not to answer the question. Alternatively, the member for Nepean may rephrase his question to make it relevant to the minister’s portfolios.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The Treasurer! Does the member for Nepean wish to rephrase his question?

John Pesutto: On the point of order, Speaker, the question relates to comments the minister herself made as a member of the cabinet. She is a member of the cabinet. She was a decision-maker in the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games. She has, as a minister, made comments on the public record. Are we to understand – with respect, Speaker – that we cannot ask a minister in this government about the basis of comments they make on the public record?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Tarneit, you can leave the chamber for 90 minutes.

Member for Tarneit withdrew from chamber.

The SPEAKER: Under Rulings from the Chair, Leader of the Opposition, a member may only ask a question relating to a minister’s current responsibility. However, if the member for Nepean would like to redirect his question to the Premier in relation to it being a cabinet decision, I am happy for that.

Sam GROTH: Thank you, Speaker, for that direction. My question is to the Premier. Last month in relation to the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, the Minister for Health, as part of your cabinet, stated:

Tough decisions have to be made when you’re in government … this was a tough decision, but it was the right decision …

The Premier stated in relation to the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games:

I’ve made a lot of difficult calls, a lot of very difficult decisions in this job. This is not one of them.

Do you agree that this was a tough decision for the Minister for Health?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Eureka can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Eureka withdrew from chamber.

Daniel Andrews: On a point of order, Speaker – he was famous for his first serve, but his second serve is nowhere near as good – the question directly asked for an opinion, and that is against the standing orders.

James Newbury: On the point of order, Speaker, the rephrased question clearly asked the Premier, who is responsible for his administration, about a comment made by a minister under his responsibility.

The SPEAKER: Order! I rule the question out of order. It was asking for an opinion, therefore I will rule it out of order. There is no opportunity for a supplementary question.