26th Feb 2020, 5:18 PM – Representatives Statute Update (Regulations References) Bill 2020 - Second Reading - Transparency

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus (Labor), which means it failed. The motion would have amended the usual second reading motion, which is that the bill be read for a second time (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill).

Motion text

That all words after 'That' be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

'whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:

(1) notes the Government’s increasing use of regulations to implement its policies, which has the effect of bypassing the parliamentary scrutiny that is fundamental to the legislative process;

(2) expresses concern that seeking to govern by regulation undermines the long-standing conventions of transparency and accountability which are an integral part of our democracy; and

*(3) calls on the Government to return to the principles of transparency and accountability that have until recent years defined Australia as a democratic nation governed under the rule of law'. *