Chapter 19 - Relations with the executive government
Questions concerning statutory authorities
As has been noted,
one of the fundamental rules of questions is that a minister may be asked only
about matters for which the minister is officially responsible. As statutory
authorities frequently operate with considerable autonomy, the question arises
of the extent to which a minister can be expected to answer questions of detail
concerning their activities, especially in relation to those authorities
operating commercially (SD, 28/8/1968, p. 367; 30/3/1971, p. 604). No
ruling has been given from the chair, nor pronouncement of policy made by
government, regarding questions relating to statutory authorities. It is now
the practice for questions about such bodies to be directed to the relevant
minister or the minister representing the relevant minister. The information
sought is usually supplied.
For declarations by the Senate concerning accountability of statutory
bodies, see above, under Statutory authorities and public interest immunity.
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