Premier, Opposition clash over HOA questions

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and opposition members clashed in the House of Assembly yesterday, October 21 over questions on public finances, water supply and government projects, with the Speaker repeatedly intervening to direct proceedings.

Opposition Leader Marlon Penn challenged the Premier over unreconciled government bank accounts, while Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn disputed his use of the Standing Orders to challenge a question. Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull also pressed for specific answers on delays to public projects.

Penn questioned why government’s reponses remained outstanding months after he submitted his question about the now-defunct Bank of Asia.

“I don’t know what is ridiculous: that we’re seeking accountability for the people’s money?” Penn asked.

Go ask the Accountant General

Premier Wheatley told lawmakers that some financial information was dated and recommended that members question the Accountant General during the forthcoming Standing Finance proceedings. He also explained that the Bank of Asia account was inactive.

Disputes over parliamentary questioning have dominated exchanges in the House during the Premier’s terms in office, with opposition members claiming that the government continues to dodge accountability.

Back in July, Dr Wheatley moved to place Recovery and Development Agency legislation ahead of questions, citing an urgent need to address the agency’s board arrangements. Penn objected and unsuccessfully sought to have the House recommit to its established order of business.

Water shortages and human rights concerns

During Wednesday’s sitting, Walwyn asked whether the government had assessed if persistent water shortages could fall within matters considered by the Human Rights Commission once established.

Premier Wheatley argued that the question breached Standing Order 17H by seeking an opinion on hypothetical circumstances. He suggested that residents should hold the 2011–2019 administration, in which Walwyn served, accountable for water problems.

“I wasn’t asking him for an opinion. It’s the fact that they’re not getting water,” Walwyn said.

“I mean, in my view, the question wasn’t serious,” Dr Wheatley replied.

“When will government projects ever get finished?”

Turnbull later questioned procurement procedures and delays involving the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex and the Department of Disaster Management building.

“When will we ever get government projects finished?” Turnbull asked.

Premier Wheatley defended his government’s record, acknowledged challenges with some projects and argued that broad questions required broader responses.

The Speaker directed him on several occasions to confine his response to the matters asked.