Before we begin, colleagues, I would refer to Written Question 14-16(2) asked yesterday by the Member for Tu Nedhe. Rule 39(1) states that written questions are intended to provide Members the opportunity to seek detailed, complex and lengthy information from a Minister on a matter that would not be reasonably assumed to be within the present knowledge of the Minister.
It is my view that the written question submitted by the Member for Tu Nedhe does not meet that definition of a written question, because the information should be properly within the Minister’s present knowledge.
Therefore, I rule Written Question 14-16(2) out of order and direct that it be removed from the Orders of the Day. Members are reminded that written questions should not be used as an extension to oral questions.
Thank you, colleagues.
Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Mr. Miltenberger.