The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Greens have got up their legislation to remove executive veto over territory legislation.
As the previous vetos were still disallowable instruments the practical effect of this is almost nil, but lots of people are excited by the symbolism.
A spokeswoman for ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher welcomed the bill.
“After 20 years of self-government, it was time for change,” she said.
“Canberrans should enjoy the same right as other Australian citizens to have their elected representatives make laws without the prospect of a single minister vetoing.”
She said the ACT would like to see a full review of the Self-Government Act.
Chief Minister Gallagher’s office has not, at this time, seen fit to actually share a media release on the subject with the people of the ACT.
If you think the Greens would give a banana scented turd on this issue if not for the possibility of getting up legislation they approve of I’ve got some bridges to sell you.
Bring on the euthanasia for gay whales.
UPDATE: The Greens Meredith Hunter has blown the horn for this verdant triumph:
“This Bill is the first Australian Greens Law passed by both houses of Parliament, and it’s about standing up for the rights of the people of the ACT & NT,” Ms Hunter said.
“I think it shows the respect that Bob Brown and the Greens have for the peoples and Parliaments of the Territories.
“It doesn’t make sense that the people of the ACT can make laws democratically only to have them vetoed by the stroke of a pen by a Federal Minister, without any debate.
“These changes still allow Federal oversight, but it requires a debate in both houses and a vote to overturn a Territory law.
“The ACT does not get the attention it deserves from the Australian Parliament which makes the ongoing interest and support for Canberra from the Australian Greens and in particular Senator Bob Brown so positive.
“Despite campaigning on allegedly ‘standing up for Canberra’ the local Liberal Senator, Gary Humphries, voted against this reform and against the enhanced democratic rights of Canberrans,” Ms Hunter said.
* http://history1900s.about.com/od/martinlutherkingjr/a/mlkquotes.htm