2019-05-08
The Greens NSW have worked with the Opposition and other cross bench members to secure a package of key reforms to the operation of Parliament that will ensure greater transparency and accountability of the Government.
This shows the ability of the Greens to work collaboratively in the upper house to achieve important changes.
Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said: "The reforms to question time will require answers to be provided that actually respond to the question asked, ending the unhelpful dodging we've seen for too many years.
"The ability of the house to sanction ministers for refusal to answer questions is critical for ensuring the people of NSW receive the kind of information they need," Ms Faehrmann said.
Greens MP Abigail Boyd said: "We have ensured committees will have a clear right to force the Government to release important documents, ending a culture of secrecy and censorship.
"The Greens will always hold the Government to account and these positive reforms will be a core part of achieving that," Ms Boyd said
Greens MP David Shoebridge said: "Extending the time of budget estimates hearings will improve scrutiny of ministers and high level bureaucrats with a full day of questioning twice a year, not the current 3 hours a year.
"The ability to require answers from the Government year round will make them more accountable to communities for the $70+ billion of public money they spend each year," Mr Shoebridge said.