07-27-2019, 01:18 PM
Great to hear, even just a recognition, from anyone connected to government about reform of Question Time (QT). Alice Workman in the Oz touched on the subject a few days ago which prompted the following:-
“Younger Australians might be surprised to know that the term ‘Question Time’ was once a true description of time set aside for honourable House business. It was not a time for time wasting jibes, theatre or entertainment. ‘Dorothy Dixers,’ or otherwise pre-arranged, spurious or frivolous statements posing as questions were tolerated on occasion, but most questions were genuine and particular. Questions were often incisive and shone light on particular failings of government Departments as they impacted individuals, and were directed to the Ministers involved from any backbencher. In other words Representatives actually lived up to their job description irrespective of Party affiliation, sometimes embarrassingly to the Minister and Government of the day. Parliamentarians may wonder why there’s little respect for governments these days and then ask themselves if they conduct House business honestly in a workman like manner. Thank you Alice.
“Younger Australians might be surprised to know that the term ‘Question Time’ was once a true description of time set aside for honourable House business. It was not a time for time wasting jibes, theatre or entertainment. ‘Dorothy Dixers,’ or otherwise pre-arranged, spurious or frivolous statements posing as questions were tolerated on occasion, but most questions were genuine and particular. Questions were often incisive and shone light on particular failings of government Departments as they impacted individuals, and were directed to the Ministers involved from any backbencher. In other words Representatives actually lived up to their job description irrespective of Party affiliation, sometimes embarrassingly to the Minister and Government of the day. Parliamentarians may wonder why there’s little respect for governments these days and then ask themselves if they conduct House business honestly in a workman like manner. Thank you Alice.