MPs back soon in revised schedule

STATE Parliament sittings will return next month under an updated sitting schedule for 2020.

Leader of the House Michael Ferguson yesterday said parliament would next return in June for four sitting days before returning again in August for regular and frequent sittings through to December.

The updated schedule shows changes to the spring session to allow additional sitting weeks, a revised date for the 2020-21 State Budget and a full budget session with budget estimates and government business scrutiny hearings before the end of the year.

“We are pleased that we have been able to ensure the new sitting schedule remains largely in line with the Government’s original sitting intentions, with the House of Assembly sitting for only five fewer days despite the major interruption COVID-19 represented,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We have always been clear in our commitment to openness and transparency through this difficult time, including through regular media briefings, regular meetings with all parties and debates on the floor of parliament to scrutinise the Government’s decisions in relation to COVID-19.”

Mr Ferguson said he had kept in regular contact with the representatives of the Labor Party and the Greens, as well as other members of parliament in regards to the safest and most appropriate ways to conduct sittings.

The updated 2020 sitting schedule can be found at https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ r0fGCWLVLlu20PzjhmCh_j? domain=parliament.tas.gov.au