Hansard debates

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:08): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question, and it gives me the opportunity to repeat what I said yesterday to the Leader of the Opposition. Allegations raised with me have been referred to the relevant authority.

Peter Walsh: On a point of order, Speaker, rule 58 says that answers to questions must be direct, factual and succinct. Can I put it to you that the Premier is none of those in how she is handling all the questions, but particularly that question, which goes to the nub of the integrity of the government in responding to questions on behalf of Victorians. I would ask you to bring her back to actually answering that question, please.

Mary-Anne Thomas: On the point of order, Speaker, I ask that you rule the point of order out of order. I would in fact contend that the Premier’s responses are each of those things: direct, factual and succinct. I would also add and remind the house that Rulings from the Chair is very, very clear that the minister has discretion to determine the content of any answer.

James Newbury: Further to the point of order, rulings from the Chair from multiple Speakers – at least five Speakers – also make clear that remarks must directly relate to the question asked.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has concluded her answer. There is no point of order.