❓ Question regarding the legality of Hon Dr Katrina Stratton's appointment as Parliamentary Secretary before officially becoming a member of the legislature. The Premier acknowledges the error and clarifies the appointment will take effect later.
AnsweredQoN 20Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Hon Dr Katrina Stratton—Parliamentary secretary
appointment
20. Hon Martin Aldridge to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier :
I refer to the Government
Gazette published on 19 March 2025 and specifically the appointment of
Hon Dr Katrina Stratton MLC as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for
Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure.
(1) Is the Premier aware that section 44A of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899 prescribes
that only a member of the legislature can be appointed as a parliamentary
secretary?
(2) Is Hon Dr Katrina Stratton MLC a current
member of the legislature?
(3) If no to (2), has the Premier or the Governor,
who acted upon his government's direction, sought legal advice to
confirm the appointment is lawful?
(4) Is the Premier aware that it is a crime
pursuant to section 87 of the Criminal Code to impersonate a public officer?
appointment
20. Hon Martin Aldridge to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier :
I refer to the Government
Gazette published on 19 March 2025 and specifically the appointment of
Hon Dr Katrina Stratton MLC as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for
Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure.
(1) Is the Premier aware that section 44A of the Constitution Acts Amendment Act 1899 prescribes
that only a member of the legislature can be appointed as a parliamentary
secretary?
(2) Is Hon Dr Katrina Stratton MLC a current
member of the legislature?
(3) If no to (2), has the Premier or the Governor,
who acted upon his government's direction, sought legal advice to
confirm the appointment is lawful?
(4) Is the Premier aware that it is a crime
pursuant to section 87 of the Criminal Code to impersonate a public officer?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. This answer has been
provided by the Premier.
(1)–(4) The Premier is aware that only a
member of the legislature can be appointed parliamentary secretary and can
confirm that Dr Stratton's appointment is of no effect. Dr Stratton will be
sworn in as parliamentary secretary by His Excellency the Governor after she
becomes a member of the legislature on 22 May 2025.
honourable member for some notice of the question. This answer has been
provided by the Premier.
(1)–(4) The Premier is aware that only a
member of the legislature can be appointed parliamentary secretary and can
confirm that Dr Stratton's appointment is of no effect. Dr Stratton will be
sworn in as parliamentary secretary by His Excellency the Governor after she
becomes a member of the legislature on 22 May 2025.
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