Michael Johnson (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the House for its indulgence in waiting a few moments for me to arrive in the chamber. I move:

That the House:

(1)

acknowledges its support for the advancement of democracy around the world, including Pakistan; and

(2)

recognises the importance of ministerial accountability in our Westminster system of government.

I want to take this opportunity in this first fortnight of the sittings of the 42nd Parliament of Australia to extend very warm congratulations to the members of both sides who have given their maiden presentations to this parliament and to wish them well in their parliamentary careers. It is interesting that in this 42nd Parliament we are sitting at an historic time in the world, and part of my motion goes to some of the historic moments that have happened in the last few days of this week and, as well, in the preceding week.

This motion is very relevant and very timely because around the world we have seen the creation of a ‘new’ nation state. We have seen elections in Pakistan, a country of immense importance in the world, a nation of the Commonwealth, a good friend of this country, and a country with which we have very warm, generous and strong ties. As well, we see a very robust contest happening in the United States, a contest where candidates for the highest office in that country are pitching their ideas and policies against each other and seeking to earn the confidence and trust of the American public.

I think this motion is very relevant in this parliament at this time because we sit here on a Friday for the first time in a very, very long time; we sit here on a Friday, when the executive is not able to be questioned by members of the opposition. I will come to more of that later. I find that very, very disappointing.

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