❓ Mr. Trenorden questions the Premier regarding restrictions on MPs accessing government agencies for information, particularly concerning constituents. The Premier acknowledges the question and outlines existing protocols for information access, offering to address specific problems.
AnsweredQoN 531Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT - ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
I refer to the debate on 17 August 2006 on the Gas and Electricity Safety Legislation Amendment Bill during which I mentioned that members could not gain information from Western Power, Verve Energy, Horizon Power or Synergy Pty Ltd without first going through a minister. The Minister for Energy responded - As the member knows, there is a process that we must go through, and there is also the Public Sector Management Act . . . That means that a member must go through the minister’s office, particularly when it relates to operational matters. Given that the National Party is finding it increasingly difficult to get access to even basic information, further delaying response times - (1) Which section of the Public Sector Management Act forbids MPs from accessing agencies? (2) Does the Premier agree that members deserve to be given fundamental information, especially when it pertains to helping constituents, and doing so in a very timely manner? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
I refer to the debate on 17 August 2006 on the Gas and Electricity Safety Legislation Amendment Bill during which I mentioned that members could not gain information from Western Power, Verve Energy, Horizon Power or Synergy Pty Ltd without first going through a minister. The Minister for Energy responded - As the member knows, there is a process that we must go through, and there is also the Public Sector Management Act . . . That means that a member must go through the minister’s office, particularly when it relates to operational matters. Given that the National Party is finding it increasingly difficult to get access to even basic information, further delaying response times - (1) Which section of the Public Sector Management Act forbids MPs from accessing agencies? (2) Does the Premier agree that members deserve to be given fundamental information, especially when it pertains to helping constituents, and doing so in a very timely manner? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(1) Which section of the Public Sector Management Act forbids MPs from accessing agencies? (2) Does the Premier agree that members deserve to be given fundamental information, especially when it pertains to helping constituents, and doing so in a very timely manner? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(2) Does the Premier agree that members deserve to be given fundamental information, especially when it pertains to helping constituents, and doing so in a very timely manner? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(1) Which section of the Public Sector Management Act forbids MPs from accessing agencies? (2) Does the Premier agree that members deserve to be given fundamental information, especially when it pertains to helping constituents, and doing so in a very timely manner? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(2) Does the Premier agree that members deserve to be given fundamental information, especially when it pertains to helping constituents, and doing so in a very timely manner? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it, which I received at 2.20 pm. (1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(1) I will find out for the member which provisions of the Public Sector Management Act, if any - Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did say “if any”. I have no problem with the member trying to access information. I do not think members could posit anything other than that. (2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
(2) Members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Dawesville to order. It is unacceptable to continually interject. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am advised that members of Parliament are able to obtain information about matters relating to ministerial portfolio responsibilities in a number of ways, including asking questions in the house. Ministers and their agencies usually establish appropriate protocols to ensure the timely release of information to other parties, including members of Parliament. This may involve queries being directed through the minister’s office. If the member has a particular problem, I am happy to take it up with him.
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