Opposition uses the Animal Welfare Bill to delay

7/11/02
The State Opposition is using debate on the Animal Welfare Bill in the Upper House of State Parliament as a political stunt, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens said today.
"I regret that despite the Opposition's claim of being interested in progressing this piece of legislation, there is stark evidence that it is being used as a stalling tactic to frustrate the progress of other Government legislation," Mr Stephens said.
"The Leader of the Opposition earlier this week stated that the Bill was an important piece of legislation and wanted to see it dealt with before Christmas.
"However, with non Government members indicating that the Bill will be debated for 'days' in the Legislative Council, I have grave reservations about the sincerity of the Liberal Opposition.
"From the Government's perspective, we gave them the opportunity to put the Bill through the Parliament by sitting late tonight. Regrettably the non-government parties voted against this opportunity to expedite the passage of the Bill."
Minister's office: 9213 6500