Senator Andrew Bartlett
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
 
Three Days to Go

The outgoing 'obstructive' Senate passed another six Bills on Monday, even refusing to insist on a simple amendment extending eligibility for Maternity Payment to all adoptive parents, instead of just those adopting children under two years of age.

I spoke on one of these Bills, an Environment & Heritage Amendment Bill. It was an uncontroversial Bill, but it gave me a chance to revisit one of the achievements I am proud of – ensuring the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was established and set up in a way which ensured protection of some incredibly valuable lands in and on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour. This was done back in February 2001, when I reached an agreement to pass legislation setting up the Trust after negotiating heaps of valuable amendments.

I also reached agreement with other parties to set up a Senate Inquiry into the administration of the Migration Act, with particular focus on deportation, decision making and detention.

Tonight from 6pm, the Senate will start valedictory speeches, recognising the contribution of all the outgoing Senators whose terms conclude on 30th June. It will start with Brian Harradine, who is retiring after nearly 30 years in the Senate. Despite his views on many issues being quite different to mine, I have always admired him and mentioned him favourably in my First Speech to the Senate back in 1997.

There are 13 other Senators also finishing up on the 30th June, when the Senate will become controlled by the Government, including 3 Democrats - Aden Ridgeway, John Cherry and Brian Greig. Valedictories will continue through until 11.00 pm this evening and continue on tomorrow when most of the other retiring Senators will speak. They should all be broadcast on the ABC's News Radio or can be viewed through the web by going to this site.

posted by Andrew Bartlett @ Tuesday, June 21, 2005 Permalink
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