Since 2022, the Albanese Government has failed to respond in time to more than 50 completed House and Joint committee inquiries.
More than half of these responses are overdue by more than a year, and a quarter by more than 18 months.
More than 3,500 experts, industry bodies, academics and community members contributed to these outstanding inquiries in good faith, trusting the Government would take them seriously, only to be met with silence. Public trust and resources are being squandered.
Parliamentary inquiries cannot be used by governments to park difficult issues. They must lead to action.
I’m pressuring the Government to respond to these reports and to commit to a transparent process for tracking and publishing its responses.
The UK's publicly accessible dashboard is a model worth following.
Inquiry reports are not optional reading for Ministers. Responses are due within six months. Deadlines exist to ensure accountability and prevent avoidance.