Trevor

MALLARD

Shadow Leader of the House

15 May 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Ministers are responsible for operational matters
Ministers will have to stop hiding from legitimate Opposition questions by claiming matters are ‘operational’ following today’s ruling by the Speaker, says Trevor Mallard, the Shadow Leader of the House.

“For too long Government Ministers have fobbed off Written Parliamentary Questions by refusing to answer because they claim questions relate to ‘operational matters.’

“Ministers have in effect been telling Parliament that they are not responsible for the actions of their officials and departments. They have hidden from public scrutiny and tried to avoid accountability.

“Today’s ruling by the Speaker makes it clear that will have to stop. They will have to front up and answer questions relating to their portfolios and their departments.

“The Speaker has laid down the law to Ministers, telling Parliament:

“There is no convention that Ministers are not answerable to the House for operational matters in the departments or agencies falling within their portfolio areas. Even though a Minister may not have legal control, the Minister assumes the political responsibility to the House to answer such questions.”

“Labour welcomes the Speaker’s ruling. We look forward to being able to hold Ministers to account on behalf of the public,” says Trevor Mallard.

ENDS

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