Turnbull criticises government’s handling of HOA affairs

Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has criticided the management of the House of Assembly, arguing that elected representatives are not given the chance to properly hold the government to account.

Speaking recently in the House of Assembly, Turnbull pointed out that the sitting, which began on January 15, had stretched for nearly six months before concluding on July 10. The Second District Representative acknowledged that the House now operates independently but argued that its procedures need improvement to ensure business is conducted more fairly.

“I believe that there are some things that we can do procedurally better to ensure that we are doing the business of the people, but also being fair in the way that we do the business of the people,” he stated.

Turnbull contended that the prolonged sitting had significantly limited opportunities for the opposition to question ministers, suggesting the last time opposition members were able to pose questions in the House was “almost a year ago.”

“We all have the people that sent us here. We all have the concerns that we are to represent,” Turnbull said. “While the government has the numbers, and they can vote, I believe it is equally important to ensure that we have this balanced approach, that we are holding the government to account on behalf of the people.”

He noted that opposition members are expected to submit questions when the next sitting begins on July 21 but said many concerns raised by constituents during district meetings over the first half of the year remain unanswered.

Turnbull’s remarks add to longstanding criticism from opposition lawmakers over the Natalio Wheatley administration’s management of House business. Opposition members have repeatedly complained that government bills often dominate the parliamentary agenda, while motions and questions from the opposition are delayed for months, limiting scrutiny of the executive.

Government members have defended the scheduling of House business, arguing that priority must be given to advancing legislation and other government matters.