The consideration of Legislative Council amendments to the Local Government Bill has been adjourned until later this month after the Chief Minister moved to postpone this morning’s sitting.
Alf Cannan told the house the Infrastructure Minister had intended to adjourn the debate himself, citing a desire to brief members further on his intentions regarding amendments.
Dr Michelle Haywood, the former DoI minister, expressed concern the matter had been before the house twice and “has been pushed back and pushed back, and the position doesn’t seem to be any different”.
Lawrie Hooper added that he was “quite uncomfortable with the idea of now going behind closed doors and having a conversation in private about what the future of local government might look like in respect of this bill, rather than just having that discussion in the open on the floor of the house”.
Julie Edge supported the adjournment, noting the amendments “aren’t just basic, simple little amendments” and stating she would expect the minister to advise members that “local authorities are on side with some of the changes”.