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
- Pauline Hanson’s Senate Burqa Stunt; Labor And Greens Give Brandis A Standing Ovation August 17, 2017
- Jacqui Lambie Asks Her First Question As A Senator; Wants Billions And Special Economic Zone For Tasmania July 8, 2014
- Budget Dominates Question Time; Repair Job Or Massive Deceit? May 14, 2014
- Clive Palmer’s First Parliamentary Question: Is My Phone Bugged? December 4, 2013
- Kevin Rudd’s First Question Time After Returning As Prime Minister June 27, 2013
- Tony Abbott Attempts To Move No-Confidence Motion In Gillard March 21, 2013
- Gillard Calls Leadership Ballot For 4.30pm Today March 21, 2013
- Malcolm Turnbull’s Speech On Republican Virtues: Truth, Leadership & Responsibility September 5, 2012
- Rudd Government Faces First Question Time February 13, 2008
- Question Time: Time To Retire The Rhetoric November 21, 2004
- The First Question Time For 2004 February 10, 2004
- Simon Crean Queries John Anderson On Sacking Of Allan Hawke September 25, 2002
- Howard Claims Better Record In Question Time Than Keating, Hawke Or Fraser June 27, 2002
- Howard Government Cancels Question Time On Budget Day May 3, 2002
- Howard Grilled At Lively Press Conference; Tense Mood In Question Time February 19, 2002
- A Statistical Analysis Of Question Time February 13, 2002
- Simon Crean: A Modern Parliament For A Modern Australia February 7, 2002
- Statistics On House Of Representatives Question Time 1963-2000 February 15, 2001
- House Of Representatives Activity Statistics – 1983-1999 July 1, 2000
- In Final Question Time Before 1993 Election, Keating Lashes Hewson On Fightback! December 16, 1992
- Michael Duffy Gives Peter Costello A Lesson In Question Time September 10, 1992
- Keating Blasts The Old Fogies Of The Liberal Party And The Cultural Cringe Of The 1950s February 27, 1992
- How Much Does A Leadership Change Cost? May 9, 1989
- Why Do You Hate Tasmania, Hawke Is Asked In Parliament May 8, 1989
