Stifling democracy

Since gaining control of the Senate at the last federal election the conservative government have repeatedly limited the time available for the senate to debate legislation. They clearly see it as a rubber stamp on decisions of the executive government and have little interest in listening to proposed amendments that might improve laws. This reveals their disregard for democratic processes of government and a closed mind to new ideas or alternate points of view. As an example of the undemocratic pace of legislative activity, this week there are 25 separate packages of legislation to be voted on in the Senate. Given that a strong senate over many years has been a moderating force against absolute power in Australian parliamentary democracy, it is a shame to see those Senators representing voters and, by implication, the voters themselves across all states of Australia, treated with such disrespect. Bring back a strong and independent Senate to restore Australian democracy.

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