The Liberal Government and Independent Member for Denison, Madeleine Ogilvie, tonight voted down a sensible proposal for Parliament to sit on Wednesday next week, in addition to the scheduled Thursday sitting.
Labor Leader, Rebecca White, said the Government’s rejection of increased Parliamentary scrutiny was disappointing.
“Today is an example of why it is unreasonable and impractical to expect both the Upper and Lower House to pass important legislation in a single day.
“Labor makes no apologies for fully scrutinising Government legislation – particularly when one third of the Parliamentary sitting days have been cancelled.
“The Legislation we are considering has significant and far reaching consequences and Tasmanians expect their elected representatives to apply appropriate scrutiny.
“Labor proposed an additional sitting day next week to avoid a repeat of today’s chaotic scenes, which mean we have to hastily return tomorrow morning.
“With many businesses starting to reopen and the Government itself contemplating lifting lockdown restrictions, there is no reason why Parliament cannot meet more regularly.
“Appropriate measures have been put in place since Parliament last met to ensure there is appropriate social distancing in place to protect staff and MPs.
“The Government has our support to do everything necessary to protect lives, but it is critical that we maintain Parliamentary scrutiny through this period.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
