In response to NSW Premier Chris Minns yesterday refusing to take questions in the House from the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward - until the Parliamentary Ethics and Privileges Committee makes a finding on Mr Ward’s status in this Parliament - Mr Ward intends to refer the Premier to the same Committee (Ward returns to Parliament).

The referral made to the Privileges Committee yesterday did not mention the name of the member or the electorate, so as not to prejudice any future trial. The Committee has been asked to consider whether any action should be taken given the circumstances of the previously suspended member being re-elected. It will report to Parliament by 8 June.

Outraged by the strategy of refusing his questions in the meantime, the Member for Kiama says, "I will be referring Mr Minns to the Privileges Committee through the Speaker for refusing to legitimate and reasonable answer questions. Parliamentary oversight is not an optimal extra, it's fundamental to our democracy and the actions of the Premier in Parliament reflect entirely on him.” 

As it is, Mr Ward’s questions will be taken on notice, where they are tabled in the Parliament but are not the subject of any Parliamentary debate in themselves and are answered in writing. Mr Ward has been lodging these throughout his suspension from the House.

“Mr Minns refusal to answer my questions on disability policy is something you’d expect from an Opposition Leader - not a Premier,” says Mr Ward. 

“Refusing to answer my questions doesn’t disrespect me. It’s disrespectful to every person in the Kiama Electorate and people with disabilities that need a voice.

“As one of two people in the Legislative Assembly with lived experience of disability, I was somewhat shocked that the Premier boasted at yesterday’s press conference about snubbing a measured and reasonable question about an important issue.

“Less than 24 hours after stating that the Parliament should operate with “integrity and respect as its watchwords” Mr Minns has demonstrated that these were nothing other than weasel words.”

Speaking to the media afterwards, Mr Minns said, “There are serious charges that he is facing as a member of the public, and they have to be weighed against his involvement in the Legislative Assembly.

“It’s up to the Privileges inquiry what the recommendation will be for his continued service in the Legislative Assembly.

“I’m going to take any questions that he asks of the government on notice until we get a determination from the Privileges Committee.

“Until we get a judgment from them, I’m going to take his questions on notice.”