Why we must stop the political theatre of question time in Parliament
Dr Brian Walker addresses the growing trend of political evasion in the Legislative Council and proposes a fundamental shift to improve how government business is conducted.
The symptom of a failing system
In my years as a GP, I learned that you cannot heal a patient if you refuse to look at the diagnosis. If a symptom is ignored, the underlying condition worsens. Politics operates much the same way. When I stand in the Legislative Council, I expect the government to provide clear, honest answers to the challenges facing our state. Instead, what we see too often is a masterclass in deflection.
The current state of question time is not just frustrating. It is a sign of a deeper malaise. When ministers exploit standing orders to hide from the truth, they are not just dodging a question. They are slamming the door in the face of every citizen who demands to be heard. This level of obfuscation turns a core pillar of our democracy into hollow political theatre.
When transparency dies in the shadows
There is a real, visceral danger in this charade. When accountability vanishes, bad policy goes unchecked. Decisions are made without robust scrutiny. As a result, the people who suffer are the ones out in the community—those waiting for answers on their healthcare, their housing, and their security. This is not just bureaucracy. It is a waiting room where public trust dies while ministers play games with words.
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A prescription for a better parliament
We need to stop pretending that this performance is progress. If we cannot hold the government to account in the current format, we must consider structural change. My move before the House seeks to stop this charade by inquiring whether we should abolish questions without notice entirely. Why persist with a ritual that yields no substance? That time could be far better spent on productive legislative work and committee activity.
While the major parties prefer the comfort of their talking points, we remain focused on the evidence. A democracy that cannot handle a direct, honest question is a democracy in retreat. You can read the full motion here. If you are tired of the spin and want to see genuine change directed by facts rather than political convenience, I invite you to join Legalise Cannabis WA and help us lead the way forward.
