The Albanese government has been accused of “blatant hypocrisy” for leaving over 2,000 Senate questions unanswered. 

Both the opposition and the Greens are calling on the government to fulfil its transparency promises and uphold the integrity mandate it presented to voters during the last federal election.

Senators from the Liberal and Greens parties express frustration as hundreds of questions directed at the federal government have gone unanswered within the stipulated 30-day timeframe. 

The latest data reveals that as of last week, there are more than 2,000 overdue questions on notice, which encompass Senate estimates and the notice paper.

The question on notice process is a vital component of parliamentary transparency, enabling opposition and crossbench senators to seek information from public officials concerning government policies and programs.

Opposition Senate leader Simon Birmingham has previously highlighted this issue, particularly pointing to unanswered inquiries about the cost of the cancelled Quad summit in May, an event that reportedly incurred over $6 million in preparation expenses.

Birmingham asserts that the government must “lift their game”.

“This poor response rate from ministers to Senate questions on notice reflects the blatant hypocrisy of the Albanese government,” he said.

“Having come to office promising greater transparency, its failure to answer Senate questions by the due date is in effect, contempt not only of the Senate, but Australians who rightly expect ministers be held to account.”

In response, a government spokesperson has rejected claims of avoiding accountability, noting that the number of questions on notice has more than doubled compared to the previous Coalition government. 

They affirm the commitment to accountability and transparency and pledge to address all outstanding questions.

A closer look at the 2,000 overdue questions reveals that over half were directed at the community affairs and finance and public administration standing Senate committees. 

The defence and foreign affairs portfolios each have over 150 unanswered questions, while 141 inquiries within the prime minister and cabinet's portfolio remain unresolved.

Greens senator David Shoebridge says that nearly 20 of his questions to the Defense portfolio have gone unanswered, with some dating back to April. He claims that these delays hinder crossbenchers from holding the government accountable.