Move to appoint Ms C Chamarette as Greens Party Senator

The Western Australian Government will move to appoint Ms Christabel Chamarette as the Greens (WA) Party Senator on March 12 - the opening day of State Parliament.

Premier Carmen Lawrence said today that she had directed that the necessary joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament be initiated after the ceremonial opening by the Governor.

"I have been advised that such a move is unprecedented and is likely to cause some disruption to the normal opening day procedures, especially in relation to catering arrangements," Dr Lawrence said.

"However, I believe that Members and their guests will accommodate any inconvenience in the light of the importance of maintaining full democratic representation in the Senate, which is after all the States' House.

"Legal advice is that the casual Senate vacancy must be filled by a joint sitting of State Parliament and the opening day is the first available occasion since the official notification of the resignation of former Greens Party Senator, Jo Vallentine.

"The timing of the appointment should allow Ms Chamarette to participate in debate on the resource security legislation, which is of major concern to her Party," the Premier said.