With the September federal election looming, the Gillard Government are doing their best to finalise their agenda by rushing legislation through Parliament.
Bridget McKenzie, Nationals Senator for Victoria said the legislation the Government is trying to rush through, without proper process, is alarming.
“In the past week I have attended two public hearings reviewing legislation introduced into federal Parliament. Neither of the proposed Bills have a Regulatory Impact Statement,” Senator McKenzie said.
Under Australian law, a Regulatory Impact Statement is required when legislation is likely to have a significant impact. The first hearing related to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2013, and the second, The Fair Work Act 2013. Exemptions can only be granted to waive a Regulatory Impact Statement if the Prime Minister feels there are “exceptional circumstances.”
“It seems that the Prime Minister’s exceptional circumstances for these Bills are the need to get the Greens and the Unions onside before the election.
“It’s not good enough to rush through major pieces of legislation and disregard best practice. Regardless of whether an election is looming or not, Australia deserves processes that adhere to the principles of good governance.
“This is a dysfunctional Government that lacks long term vision in policy making. Aside from the inability to manage the nation’s finances, aside from the pandering to the Greens and Independents, this Government has failed to follow proper process and examine in detail the effects of their legislation on Australian people and Australian businesses,” Senator McKenzie said.