Question Time survey: Australians' answers sought

AN online survey launched today makes it easy for Australians to have their say about improving question time in the House of Representatives.

Bert van Manen, the chair of the House Procedure Committee, said the survey is part of a parliamentary inquiry into the way question time is run.

"The survey lets you quickly and easily provide your thoughts about what we could do differently during question time," Mr van Manen said. "It takes just a few minutes to do."

Committee Deputy Chair Milton Dick said it is a great opportunity for everyday Australians to get involved.

"We’re open to all ideas and this is just one way that people can provide feedback," Mr Dick said. 

"People can also provide written submissions until the survey closes on October 31."

In its inquiry, the Committee will consider ideas about the format of Question Time, how questions can be asked and the standing orders that govern question time. The behaviour of individual MPs is not part of the inquiry.

The Committee is also consulting MPs and looking at how question time operates in other parliaments.

"We want to get feedback from a broad range of people," Mr van Manen said. "I encourage everyone to have their say."

For more information about this Committee, visit its website https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Procedure.

On the site, people can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings.

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