A key function of the Parliament is to question and monitor the activities of the government. This is achieved through the daily Questions Without Notice in both houses.
Opposition members and government backbenchers are able to ask questions of government ministers about their official duties.
This occasion is one of the few times when all members appear in the chamber. Question Time is telecast live and is the main window that members of the public have into the operation of the parliament.
Question Time has been criticised because of its boisterous nature and because it is seen as an occasion where both sides attempt to score points rather than extract or provide information. The pre-arranged, “friendly” questions asked by government members, known as Dorothy Dixers, is often criticised, although it is difficult to see how these can be curtailed without infringing on the rights of government members to ask questions.
Members may also submit written questions, known as Questions On Notice, which ministers are required to answer in writing.
- 2002 – A Statistical Analysis of Question Time
- 2002 – Howard Claims Better Record On Questions Than Keating, Hawke, or Fraser
- House of Representatives Question Time 1963-2000 – Statistics showing the number of Questions Without Notice and Questions On Notice asked over 38 years
Archived Posts
- August 17, 2017: Pauline Hanson’s Senate Burqa Stunt; Labor And Greens Give Brandis A Standing Ovation
- July 8, 2014: Jacqui Lambie Asks Her First Question As A Senator; Wants Billions And Special Economic Zone For Tasmania
- May 14, 2014: Budget Dominates Question Time; Repair Job Or Massive Deceit?
- December 4, 2013: Clive Palmer’s First Parliamentary Question: Is My Phone Bugged?
- June 27, 2013: Kevin Rudd’s First Question Time After Returning As Prime Minister
- March 21, 2013: Tony Abbott Attempts To Move No-Confidence Motion In Gillard
- March 21, 2013: Gillard Calls Leadership Ballot For 4.30pm Today
- September 5, 2012: Malcolm Turnbull’s Speech On Republican Virtues: Truth, Leadership & Responsibility
- February 13, 2008: Rudd Government Faces First Question Time
- November 21, 2004: Question Time: Time To Retire The Rhetoric
- February 10, 2004: The First Question Time For 2004
- September 25, 2002: Simon Crean Queries John Anderson On Sacking Of Allan Hawke
- June 27, 2002: Howard Claims Better Record In Question Time Than Keating, Hawke Or Fraser
- May 3, 2002: Howard Government Cancels Question Time On Budget Day
- February 19, 2002: Howard Grilled At Lively Press Conference; Tense Mood In Question Time
- February 13, 2002: A Statistical Analysis Of Question Time
- February 7, 2002: Simon Crean: A Modern Parliament For A Modern Australia
- February 15, 2001: Statistics On House Of Representatives Question Time 1963-2000
- July 1, 2000: House Of Representatives Activity Statistics – 1983-1999
- December 16, 1992: In Final Question Time Before 1993 Election, Keating Lashes Hewson On Fightback!
- September 10, 1992: Michael Duffy Gives Peter Costello A Lesson In Question Time
- February 27, 1992: Keating Blasts The Old Fogies Of The Liberal Party And The Cultural Cringe Of The 1950s
- May 9, 1989: How Much Does A Leadership Change Cost?
- May 8, 1989: Why Do You Hate Tasmania, Hawke Is Asked In Parliament
