Speaker’s Rulings

Madam SPEAKER Link to this

Yesterday, the Hon Dr Nick Smith raised with me the public interest requirement set out in Standing Order 377(1). Standing Order 377(1) requires “an answer that seeks to address the question”. As members cannot hear, perhaps we could have the sound up a little. A Minister must give such an answer “if it can be given consistently with the public interest”. The Minister is instructed under Standing Order 377(1) to consider the public interest in framing a reply. In considering consistency with the public interest, the Minister may address such principles as privacy, commercial sensitivity, or national security. But, ultimately, the judgment of whether a particular reply is consistent with the public interest is for the Minister to make. I refer members to Speakers’ ruling 153/3: “an answer can be absolutely refused if, in the opinion of the Minister interrogated, the public interest would be imperilled by giving the information sought.” It is not a matter for the Speaker to judge. Nor is it a matter for the member asking the question to suggest that because that member considers the matter to be a matter of public interest, the question should be answered in a particular way.