Learning Outcomes
- Explain the role of Question Time in the NSW Parliament and Westminster System
- Explain the difference between parliament and government
Syllabus Links
Core 4: Law, Society and Political Involvement: Participation in the democratic process
- explain how and why the separation of powers exists between the Parliament (legislative), Executive and Judiciary (ACHCK048, ACHCK090)
- describe the role of political parties and independent representation in Australia’s system of government, including the formation of governments (ACHCK075)
Question Time in the New South Wales Parliament
Originating in the Westminster system, Question Time is a fundamental function of the NSW system of government, based on the concept of responsible government. It is an important part of the parliamentary process centred on scrutiny and accountability of Government.
Question Time occurs in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. However, because the Premier and the majority of Ministers reside in the Lower House, Question Time in that chamber often receives more media attention.
So, What is Question Time?
This part of the parliamentary day is an opportunity for Members to ask questions of Ministers, and Committee Chairs, without notice. The Opposition asks questions to keep the Government accountable, and to scrutinise government programs and Executive action.
Government Members from the backbench can also ask questions that can highlight the many positives of Government policies and initiatives. Questions asked by Members supporting the Government tend to be pre-arranged and give Ministers an opportunity to announce good news or make general statements. These questions are referred to as ‘Dorothy Dixers’.
Answers to questions must be generally relevant and the Speaker may rule on whether this requirement is met if the Opposition objects. NSW Parliament is colloquially known as the ‘bear pit’ for its adversarial and robust exchanges during Question Time.
Watching Question Time
On sitting days, Question Time in the Legislative Assembly starts around 12:00 PM on Tuesdays and 11:00 AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Question Time is limited to 55 minutes or 14 answers, whichever takes longer and cannot be longer than 70 minutes. The Leader of the Opposition is entitled to ask the first question. Any Member may then seek the call, but traditionally questions alternate between Government and Opposition Members. Crossbench Members are permitted at least two questions per Question Time,
In the Legislative Council Question time commences at 4.00 pm on Tuesday and at 12.00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday.
Questions are limited to one minute, while answers are limited to three minutes. A Minister may seek leave to extend the time for an answer by one minute. Almost all questions asked by Members are to Ministers relating to public affairs with which the Minister is officially connected, proceedings pending in the House, or any matter of administration for which the minister is responsible.
Ministers are responsible for answering questions regarding their own portfolios and those of portfolios held by Ministers in the Assembly for which they have been allocated responsibility.
Watch Question Time Live on Parliamentary Sitting Days
- See the Sitting Day Calendar to find out when Parliament is sitting and view Question Time via the Webcasts of both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. On most non-Sitting Days Public Hearings conducted by NSW Parliamentary Committees are also available via the Webcast.
- Find out what was said during Question Time and the rest of the Parliamentary Day by reading the Hansard Transcripts.
- Visit the Legislative Assembly webpages and Legislative Council webpages to delve more deeply into the proceedings of each House.
Two Types of Questions
Questions can be asked of a Minister in Question Time but also in writing to the relevant Minister outside of Question Time.
Questions without notice – These are the questions asked in Question Time. Ministers do not receive notice of the questions to be asked (at least, not from the Opposition). The rules and times for Question Time vary between the two Houses.
Questions on notice – These are questions asked of Ministers in writing and the answers are also given in writing. They are tabled in the Parliament but are not the subject of any Parliamentary debate in themselves. There is no limit to the number of these questions.
- Explore Questions and Answers for Legislative Assembly Question Time
- Explore Questions and Answers for Legislative Council Question Time
Question Time - The Tip of the Iceberg
Although Question Time is a very important way for Parliament to scrutinise the Government it is only one aspect of the many roles and responsibilities of the NSW Parliament.
- Stage 5 Commerce students can discuss the difference between Parliament and Government and examine the concept of Separation of Powers; complete the quizzes and activities and find out everything they need to know about our system of government in the Stage 5 Commerce section of the Parliamentary Education website.
