Thursday, 20 June 2024

Rulings from the Chair

Constituency questions

The SPEAKER (14:57): I have reviewed the constituency questions from yesterday. The member for Nepean asked a broad policy question that he did not link to his electorate or constituents. I therefore rule the member’s question out of order.

As I also ruled out two questions from 18 June for this reason, I will take this opportunity to remind members of my rulings and those of previous speakers that constituency questions must relate to constituency issues and not encompass broader policy issues, which can be included in questions on notice, and that members asking constituency questions should ensure that it is clear how their question relates to the constituency. I also remind members that constituency questions must ask questions of ministers and not seek an action and members should take care in phrasing their matters to ensure that their constituency question actually asks a question. Sadly, that is too late for some members today.