ABC News Online is reporting that the Liberals are unhappy that Standing Orders in the Assembly were suspended and thus unable to introduce five private members bills.
Whilst the use of majority government to shut down debate or any assembly proceedings is in itself a travesty of democracy, but in this case the Liberals really do not have a leg to stand on given that notice of their bills was only given yesterday and from inspection of the bill titles none of them appear critical:
- MR SESELJA: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Duties Act 1999 to provide concessions for certain people in relation to home ownership. (Notice given 26 August 2008).
- MR SESELJA: To present a Bill for an Act to provide for the development of the civic central area, and for other purposes. (Notice given 26 August 2008).
- MRS BURKE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Health Professionals Act 2004, and for related purposes. (Notice given 26 August 2008).
- MR STEFANIAK: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Adoption Act 1993. (Notice given 26 August 2008).
- MR PRATT: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Emergencies Act 2004. (Notice given 26 August 2008).
What were they thinking?
Given that there has been four years of Assembly sittings with ample opportunity to introduce new private members business why attempt to present these bills on the last possible day before the Assembly rises and enters caretaker mode at the end of the week.
[ED – On the other hand Deb Foskey is thrilled she’s been able to get her laws passed to protect activists from frivolous litigation, supported by Labor and Liberal]