[Greens-Media] Barnaby's secret Senate vote daft - Brown

[Oquist, Ben (Sen B. Brown)]

Wednesday 17 August 2005

Barnaby's secret Senate vote daft - Brown

New Nationals' Senator Barnaby Joyce's call for secret voting in the
Senate has not been thought through, Greens Senator Bob Brown said
today.

"It is essential that members of parliament vote openly on all issues so
that voters can assess their performance," said Senator Brown.

"Secret voting would encourage dishonesty and corruption by MPs."

"Members or Senators could say one thing and do another. The idea is
daft.

"There is no substitution for a conscience-stricken MP, opposed to his
or her party's dictate, having the backbone to cross the floor," Senator
Brown said.


      More information:  Ben Oquist 0419 70 40 95