24 August 2021

ACT budget postponed, sitting week cancelled

| Dominic Giannini
Join the conversation
4
Speaker Joy Burch

Speaker Joy Burch has cancelled the upcoming ACT sitting week at the behest of the majority of MLAs. Photo: Dominic Giannini.

ACT Speaker Joy Burch has cancelled the upcoming Legislative Assembly sitting week, meaning the Territory’s second budget of the year will be postponed.

Ms Burch said she cancelled the 31 August to 2 September sitting at the request of a majority of members within the Assembly after concerns were raised about the ongoing lockdown and delta variant outbreak.

Ms Burch said discussions were occurring about when new sitting dates could be scheduled for the budget and annual report hearings, which give the Opposition the chance to question the government and Directorates.

READ ALSO ‘Ken Behrens’ joins his mates to raise money for Menslink

“It is the intention of all members to ensure Assembly sitting business can be resumed as soon as safely possible,” she said.

The next sitting week is scheduled for Thursday, 7 October and Friday, 8 October.

Federal Parliament will go ahead next week with reduced numbers, despite Chief Minister Andrew Barr saying it was his preference it not proceed.

Join the conversation

4
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Ocumus Prime4:12 pm 22 Aug 21

Why are they not working remotely?

Capital Retro9:49 pm 22 Aug 21

Because they are not working, remotely.

A safe bet ACT Government members would have quite a bit on their plates right now even without the scrutiny of the Assembly and meeting with constituents.

But still get paid. In fact, if sitting weeks are cancelled for the rest of the year, pollies still get paid…a lot. Can’t meet constituents, so what exactly are the one percenters doing for their generous tax payer salaries. Watching Netflix for $200k a year?

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.