CoP Bill Debate Under Way

Wednesday 23 September saw the first day of debate on the City of Perth Bill in the Legislative Assembly. We'll post the Hansard here when it's available (draft should be available tonight).

Key points from the debate so far.

David Templeman (ALP, Mandurah. Opposition spokesperson on local government). Main issue is clause 37, which allows Government or City of Perth to claim Burswood. Serious questions about Kings Park and Executive Director Public Health and the proposed City of Perth Committee.

Ben Wyatt (ALP, Victoria Park). Slams Government for previous shambolic 'reform'. Argues that clause 37 is there to allow Premier to put Burswood into City of Perth despite demonstrated and overwhelming community opposition.

Dave Kelly (ALP, Bassendean). Premier wanted Vincent in City of Perth but only with gerrymander to ensure business domination. Vincent people objected. Describes clause 37 as 'legislative spaghetti', obscure, ambiguous, complicated, contentious and trojan horse to achieve Premier's will.

Terry Redman (Warren-Blackwood, Leader of the National Party). National Party is not against local government reform but will oppose this Bill on the grounds of forced amalgamation. [Note: This is the first time the Nationals have used the word 'oppose' as distinct from 'not support' - the latter being ambiguous as it could simply mean abstain.]

Mark McGowan (Leader, ALP, Rockingham). Really had a go at Barnett on the City of Perth Bill being the last vestige of local government reform fiasco. However, he stated that the Opposition's sticking point was clause 37

Vince Catania (National, North West Central) said that only the Nationals have a consistent policy on local government reform and this reflects the views of regional WA communities. The National Party will maintain that consistent policy. Local councils and communities deserve better from both Government and Opposition.

Debate was adjourned for the day with Rita Saffioti (ALP, West Swan) speaking. She will resume speaking when the debate is resumed - presumably tomorrow (Thursday 24th September).

In summary, the Nationals oppose the Bill, on the basis of the forced changes for residents of Subiaco. ALP opposes on the basis that Clause 37 opens the gate for Burswood to be moved to City of Perth and has some other substantial questions - but could support the Bill if Cl 37 removed and questions answered to its satisfaction.

If ALP and Nationals vote against and one Liberal crosses the floor, the votes will be tied 29 for and 29 against. Does the Speaker have a casting vote - and how would he use it? The Speaker should be aware of Denison's Rule.

Denison's rule is a convention, derived from the UK and the House of Commons, that the Speaker's casting vote should always be in favour of further debate or, where no further debate is possible, to vote in favour of the status quo. The principle behind the convention is that change should only occur if an actual majority is in favour of that change.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-information-office/p09.pdf

Denison's rule is a guiding principle also in many non-parliamentary bodies that have neutral chairpersons.