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Bracks Rams Grazing Ban Through And Gags DebateThe Bracks Government will gag debate on the Alpine Grazing Bill that will ban mountain cattlemen from the high country, with the legislation to automatically pass at 4pm tomorrow. By Philip Davis - 17th June 2005 - Back to News Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Philip Davis said the Liberal Party fought the Bracks Government’s moves today to gag public and Parliamentary debate by rushing the Bill through the Upper House.
But the Bracks Government used its Upper House majority to change this week’s Government Business Program to include an additional four Bills including the Alpine Grazing Bill, which will result in debate concluding at or before 4pm tomorrow (Friday) and automatically going to a vote.
Mr Davis argued in the Parliament that the bicameral system of Parliament existed so that checks and balances were in place and it gave the opportunity for Parliamentary scrutiny and public debate.
"Ramming this legislation through will not allow this public debate," Mr Davis said.
"Irrespective of what useful discussion is going on and what is yet to be said, all debate will cease and alpine grazing will automatically be banned from 4pm tomorrow."
Mr Davis said the Liberal Party would continue its support of the mountain cattlemen, both now and when it wins government.
"This is yet again another example of pure arrogance on the part of the Bracks Government," Mr Davis said.
"It is bad enough that Steve Bracks is forcing mountain cattlemen out of the high country and dissolving their 170 year heritage, but he is now gagging debate on the issue.
"With the Bracks Government holding the Upper House majority, this is a done deal and the Premier obviously thinks there is no point being democratic about it by allowing debate."
Mr Davis said Steve Bracks’ actions proved his Government had been severely embarrassed by the public support for the continuation of alpine grazing and the successful Country Voice rally on the steps of Parliament last week.
Labor’s advertising campaign vilifying mountain cattlemen is also causing ongoing embarrassment and rushing the Bill through the Parliament is a tactic to alleviate this.
"It is obvious the Premier wants this issue to fade away as soon as possible, before it causes more damage to the Bracks Government’s credibility and support – especially from country Victorians," he said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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