Opposition senator Marcus Jones has criticised government senators for failing to answer questions relating to the 2021-22 Budget.

Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Mr Jones said that the public had a right to hear a fulsome debate on how their money was being spent.

“The last date of the budget debate was March 31, it is now May 26 – two months later and there is no sign of answers whether written or spoken,” Mr Jones said. “I believe that is unreasonable and unfair.

“I think the public should have the opportunity to hear the inner workings of how this money is spent and the decisions that are made to spend it.”

Mr Jones did not specify which questions remained unanswered but added: “We have done all that we can to meet the government senators half way.

“I would look forward to my colleagues on that side of the aisle being fully prepared with questions that they know in advance that they can bring to this chamber [the Senate] and answer.

“We need to highlight the questions that we are asking because it broadens the conversation and enriches the debate and discussion, and provides a service to the public.”