[Greens-Media] Abbott crushing private members business: Bandt

[Lawson, Damien (A. Bandt, MP)]

Media Release

Adam Bandt MP
Deputy Leader, Australian Greens
Federal Member for Melbourne

November 13, 2013

Abbott crushing private members business

Greens Deputy Leader says that government changes to the Parliament's standing orders will mean Private Members time is crushed and controlled by Tony Abbott.

The government rammed through changes to the Standing Orders this morning that will almost halve Private Members time and place the Selection Committee in government hands.

"Tony Abbott is trying to put the clamp on any alternative voices in this Parliament, including on his own backbench," Mr Bandt said.

"Motions and bills moved by individual members will now be controlled by the government and time for private members will be crushed."

"This is an attack on democracy and the collegiate character of the Parliament."

"Individual MPs should be able to represent their members and progress motions and legislation through the Parliament."

"The government  gagged debate on its changes this morning and even refused to put into standing orders its own promises on Question Time."

"In the last Parliament, private business delivered important reforms, such as increased protection for fire fighters who contracted cancer, protection for whistle blowers and debate on equal marriage."

Contact: Damien Lawson 0487 900 005