The Senate today held up debate on yet more Government legislation by referring the Medicare and Private Health Insurance Bill to a committee which is not due to report for more than two months.
This means the legislation cannot be debated in the Senate until the last week of November, an effective delay of three months.
"It's inexcusable behaviour by Labor and the minor parties," the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Manager of Government Business, Senator Ian Campbell, said.
"Currently there are 13 measures locked in the committee system, including Telstra, health and workplace relations legislation.
"This is yet another example of them abusing the committee system to delay and obstruct key Government legislation."
CANBERRA
21 August 2003
Contact: Wayne Grant 02 6277 3955 or 0407 845 280