Abuse of Power? Opposition Questions Pushed Back in HoA

Opposition members who came prepared to fire off several questions to government ministers were blocked from doing so in a surprise move in the House of Assembly this afternoon, July 21.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley moved a motion to rearrange the Order Paper, pushing statements by ministers and the questions-and-answers segment until after government and public business.

The move came after nearly 11 months without Opposition members being given an opportunity to question government ministers in the House.

With the Government holding the majority, the House approved the proposed amendment. Opposition Leader Marlon Penn later moved a counter-motion. The latter will continue following the lunch break.

Explaining his motion, Premier Wheatley said the Government urgently needed to proceed with the first and second readings of legislation concerning the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).

“The current RDA board expires next week. We cannot allow the RDA to operate without a board. They have employees and contractual obligations, and it would be irresponsible for us to allow the RDA to operate without a board,” he said.

According to the Premier, the board had previously been extended and had now reached the maximum allowable extension.

“I am aware of the fact that it has been some time since questions have been asked and answered. We understand the democratic process, and I would not propose this change unless it was urgent for the proper operation and the protection of the employees and all the contractual obligations of the RDA,” Premier Wheatley stated.

Penn Calls Move An Abuse Of Power

Penn strongly objected, describing the decision as an abuse of power, particularly as the Territory engages in constitutional reform discussions.

“I want to first, from the onset, say that I do not support this move. The Opposition does not support this,” Penn declared.

He argued that the questions-and-answers segment is essential for scrutinising the Government and allowing elected Opposition members to raise matters on behalf of residents.

“The Opposition has been without the ability to ask questions on behalf of the people of this Territory for 11 months. Eleven months,” Penn stressed.

Penn noted that the House had been engaged in a sitting that began on January 15 and concluded less than a week ago, arguing that the Government had an earlier opportunity to address the RDA matter if it was so urgent.

He rejected the Premier’s justification and accused the Government of attempting to silence scrutiny.

“This is another attempt to stymie the Opposition,” Penn said, arguing that there was no reason the RDA board could not still be properly constituted without again delaying the questions-and-answers segment.