Thursday 9 December 1993
GREENS COLLAPSE.
The Greens (WA) introduced their holding Bill, Native Title
(Status Quo) Bill, into the Senate today, but did not proceed
to the second reading stage.
The Opposition, apparently, did not support this holding Bill,
so it had no hope of passing.
The Opposition later introduced a motion to refer the Native
Title Bill to a Select Committee, which would take further
evidence and report back to the Senate on 1 February, 1994.
The Greens (WA) voted with the Government and the Democrats to
oppose this motion 34 to 30.
The Senate then adjourned for dinner.
COMMITTEE REPORT.
The report from the Senate Committee on Legal and
Constitutional Affairs was tabled and ordered to be printed.
Apparently less than five senior lawpeople gave evidence, and
most people giving evidence asked for more time.
The Government is to push ahead with its 'historic'
legislation arguing that there has been plenty of debate and
consultation about the recently drafted Bill.
It will be debated in the Senate next week.