The Albanese Labor Government is actively avoiding parliamentary transparency and accountability by axing an entire sitting week in October.
Manager of Opposition Business in the House Paul Fletcher said the move is indicative of an arrogant government that prefers to play politics than act in the national interest.
“Labor came into office promising greater transparency and accountability but the exact opposite has happened,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The sitting calendar tabled today confirms a pattern of behaviour by this Government - they take every opportunity to shut down debate and avoid questions.
“An entire sitting week has been abolished and will be replaced with just one sitting day instead on 7 December.
“This will impact government scrutiny, by reducing the number of questions the Opposition can ask of the government.
“Unsurprisingly the axed week coincides with Senate Estimates in October. It’s blatantly obvious that Labor is trying to avoid having to respond to questions that may follow from Estimates.”
Mr Fletcher said today’s move is symptomatic of a government that lacks respect for established parliamentary protocols.
“Question Time ended on and before 3.15pm on seven occasions over the past sitting fortnight, while the Opposition could only ask Government Members 47 questions during the same period,” Mr Fletcher said.
“In the last sitting fortnight of the Morrison Government, the then Opposition was able to ask 61 questions.
“The Australian people deserve better and expect a government that uses parliament to further the national interest, instead of duck and weave the big issues.”