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Ch1 The Parliament and the role of the House / FUNCTIONS OF THE HOUSE / Seeking information on and clarification of government policy



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House of Representatives                                Ch 1                                                 p 37

 

The Parliament and the role of the House / FUNCTIONS OF THE HOUSE

 

Seeking information on and clarification of government policy

The accountability of the Government to Parliament is pursued principally through questions, on and without notice, directed to Ministers concerning the administration of their departments, during debates of a general nature—for example, the Budget and Address in Reply debates—during debates on specific legislation, or by way of parliamentary committee inquiry.

The aim of parliamentary questioning and inquiry is to seek information, to bring the Government to account for its actions, and to bring into public view possible errors or failings or areas of incompetence or maladministration.