Page 3855 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 25 September 2019

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MADAM SPEAKER: On the point of order, let me hear the question and then I will get advice on whether it is in order. I think that was going to be your point, Mr Gentleman. The question, from the beginning.

MR MILLIGAN: From the beginning: Mr Gupta, my question relates to your motion on the government’s climate change strategy. I have been contacted by a number of residents in Gungahlin about the impact of the government’s strategy and the impost it will have on residents in Canberra’s outer suburbs, particularly the additional financial burden a number of measures pose. Do you believe it is fair to charge residents of Canberra’s outer suburbs more than those who live in the inner city?

MR RATTENBURY: As the minster responsible for the climate strategy I will take that question.

Mr Wall: On a point of order, the question was specifically directed to Mr Gupta in relation to the motion standing on the notice paper in his name relating to the government’s climate change strategy I draw members’ attention, and your attention, Madam Speaker, to standing order 116 which states:

Questions may be put to a Member, not being a Minister, relating to any bill, motion, or other public matter connected with the business of the Assembly, of which the Member has charge.

MADAM SPEAKER: Members, if you would give me a moment. Mr Gentleman.

Mr Gentleman: On a point of order, the question is asking for an expression of opinion.

Mr Wall: On the point of order, Madam Speaker, if the issue is that it asks the member for an opinion I draw your attention to standing order 117 which states:

The following general rules shall apply to questions:

(a) questions shall be brief and relate to a single issue;

…

for an expression of opinion;

I draw your attention to the fact that Mr Gupta is a backbencher and not a member of the executive. I also draw your attention to the ruling on this matter of Speaker Dunne in the Eighth Assembly which allowed an opinion to be sought from a member not in the executive.

MADAM SPEAKER: I believe it was seeking an opinion. I note Mrs Dunne’s earlier ruling but the decision always rests with the Speaker in the chair at the time, and I am going to allow the minister responsible for climate change to respond to the question.

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