Parliamentary question time rules ‘must be updated’

The returning crossbench is demanding significant changes to parliamentary procedures to better reflect their greater representation in the 47th parliament.

Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall.

The returning crossbench has written to the government demanding significant changes to parliamentary procedures to better reflect their greater representation in the 47th parliament, calling for additional questions, supplementary questions and limiting the number of “Dorothy Dixers”.

In a letter seen by The Australian and signed by five of the six returning crossbenchers – Rebekha Sharkie, Andrew Wilkie, Zali Steggall, Helen Haines and Adam Bandt – the MPs ask for 13 amendments to standing orders.

Leader of the House Tony Burke has detailed plans to give the crossbench a greater role in parliamentary proceedings, flagging an increase in the number of questions provided to the crossbench during question time to reflect the election of the six teal independents and three extra Greens MPs.

The Coalition has reacted furiously at Labor’s plan, accusing the government of trying to hide from opposition scrutiny and arguing that any changes to the standing orders would need to be put to a vote.

Mr Burke told The Australian the crossbench would receive “more than one” question but has ruled out a push to allow supplementary questions.

“Supplementary questions were a big issue when the crossbench only got one question,” Mr Burke said. “In this parliament they’ll get more than one so supplementary questions are not something we’re minded to support.”

Mr Burke’s dismissal of supplementary questions may incense some members of the crossbench, who say their inclusion would force ministers to provide more meaningful ­answers.

Following a meeting with Mr Burke this week, Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel said the government was “actively considering” and “willing” to give crossbench members four questions during question time.

As a former journalist, Ms Daniel said it was “critical” to allow supplementary questions to ensure the government could be held to account.

“He’s signalled that he’s willing to consider and he’s actively considering how to enable that proportionate presence in the parliament and he’s working through how to do that,” Ms Daniel told The Australian.

She said it was unlikely the extra questions would be bottlenecked at the end of question time, but rather spread throughout with the crossbench given the opportunity to ask “every third or fourth” question.

Ms Haines, who has been vocal in her advocacy to abolish Dixers during question time, also called for a minimum notice period to be introduced before the government put forward its own bills to a vote to ensure the crossbench had fair opportunity for prior consultation.

Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie said question time was in “dire” need of reform, and argued that the introduction of supplementary questions would be a major step forward towards increased transparency and accountability.

She also called for the government to introduce constituency questions, allowing backbenchers to ask ministers questions relating to their electorate.

“One of our primary roles as parliamentarians is to be representative of our communities so I believe we should explore all avenues to do that job as effectively as possible,” Ms Sharkie said.