Ms O’CONNOR question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
The direct contempt your Government has shown for this House in recent weeks is something I have never seen in my time in parliament. First, you failed to provide key documents to the parliament despite an explicit order. Then came your misuse of the Cabinet-in-confidence convention. Having already risked being held in contempt of parliament, last night we saw you and two of your colleagues failing to provide Estimates information by the deadline set by the House. Indeed, we understand that ministers Jaensch and Ogilvie have still failed to provide all information and have provided no explanation as to why. Do you know why? Do you recognise that by showing such shameless contempt for this parliament, you are also giving the people of Tasmania the middle finger?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for Clark for her question. All our ministers have worked hard and made every attempt to answer a number of questions on notice. I believe I have completed mine, albeit a number of questions – the last one came through at 6 o’clock.
Dr Woodruff interjecting.
Mr SPEAKER – Order.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Every minister and every department a minister is responsible for would have worked hard and made every attempt to meet the deadline, Ms O’Connor. I remember in Opposition receiving answers to questions on notice from Estimates weeks and weeks after they were asked –
Ms O’Connor – Like you lot last year. You have been doing it every year for nine years.
Mr SPEAKER – Order.
Mr ROCKLIFF – in fact months, if my memory serves me correctly. I have no doubt –
Members interjecting.
Mr SPEAKER – Order. I will give everybody a chance to have a think about interjections and not to do so while the Premier concludes his answer. Just because the Premier makes a statement does not mean the Opposition has the ability to interject on the Premier. Please listen to the Premier in silence.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am sure respective ministers will provide an explanation in terms of information being provided to the committee. Every minister will ensure that all that information is provided.
Dr Woodruff – But it’s not here.
Mr ROCKLIFF – There may well be some reason for that in terms of finding and accessing information. That would be my inclination as to the circumstances around that. If the question was asked, the answer will be provided.
