2 January 2025

The Mercury’s Political Editor, David Killick’s reports in today’s Mercury newspaper on the House of Assembly’s sitting days and bills passed in 2024. The government determines the sitting days. One of the House of Assembly’s roles is to hold the executive to account. Fewer sitting days means less accountability. Parliamentary sessions can be unpredictable and so the government wants to minimise the potential for surprise. Despite the below-average number of sitting days, the 51st parliament has achieved for the State. 

It would be erroneous to equate minority government with a lack of legislative performance for two reasons. First, quantity doesn’t mean quality. A majority government can force bills through the chamber without the consideration and debate they deserve by using the guillotine. The guillotine enables the government to set a time limit to debate bills and bring the debate to an end. As the government doesn’t have a majority, the guillotine is less likely to be used.

Second, a parliamentarian has roles other than attending parliament. As a former headline writer, I can understand the reasoning behind David Killick’s story headline – which he wouldn’t have written. But it disregards parliamentarians’ other work that includes representing constituents by meeting them, hearing their concerns and lobbying on their behalf. Parliamentary committee work requires reading and hearing submissions and contributing to reports. And there are events to attend. Ministers have a multitude of portfolio responsibilities. 

Another interesting part of the story was the 52% support for the restoration of the House of Assembly to 35 seats. In 2019 it was 53%. Given the lack of esteem in which people hold politicians, it was an encouraging result and possibly a reflection of support also for the way the House of Assembly is working.