[Greens-Media] Abetz attack 'silly'

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Monday, 14 August 2006

Abetz attack 'silly'

Senator Abetz's proposal that the Senate dissociate itself from a motion
on its own agenda is silly, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"Senator Abetz's move calls on Senator Brown to withdraw his motion for
an inquiry into the secretive, but politcally active Exclusive Brethren
members; but it has zero clout," Senator Brown said.

"Senator Abetz has asked the Senate to 'dissociate', 'regret' and
'condemn' my motion, but not until AFTER it is dealt with in the Senate.
It is a nonsensical motion from the Minister."

Senator Brown said he was continuing to receive heart-rending letters
from ex members of the Exclusive Brethren who wanted a Senate inquiry.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603


Senator Abetz's motion reads:

I give notice that on the 16th day of August 2006 I shall move:

That this Senate:
a) dissociates itself from the motion moved on the 9th day of May 2006
by the Leader of the Australian Greens relating to the Exclusive
Brethren
b) regrets the ongoing deferral of the motion by the Senator; and 
c) condemns the use of parliamentary processes to vilify lawful
religious minorities

AND the Senate calls on the Leader of the Australian Greens to withdraw
his motion forthwith


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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au