DANGERS IN LEGISLATIVE RUSH HOUR

AFTER a year interrupted by a state election, the Tasmanian parliament is set to end its year in a rush. With just five parliamentary sitting weeks left, the government has signalled its intention to push through a series of major reforms before the polished timber doors of the parliamentary chamber close for the year on December 3.

Among key pieces of legislation on the government’s agenda are the promised TAFE reforms, poker machines legislation, a new container deposit scheme, laws to set up a new Stadiums Tasmania Trust and a fourth attempt to lock in anti-protest laws.

It’s an ambitious list and no doubt some of the more contentious laws will provoke lively debate.

There is still a lot of work to be done, with the Leader of Government Business Michael Ferguson on Wednesday confirming that some of the draft Bills haven’t been finished yet.

Debate over Bills and the careful examination of reforms is the cornerstone of any functioning parliament. While the government has the numbers to push through its laws, it is a dangerous way to get the best results.

The Legislative Council plays a key role as a “house of review”. Levelheaded and experienced legislators will examine laws line by line and suggest amendments to clear up any unintended consequences of laws.

Big reforms such as the changes to TasTAFE and poker machine laws will be in effect for decades and involve hundreds of millions of dollars.

The new Stadiums Trust will oversee the development of major arenas including Blundstone Arena, UTAS Stadium, the Derwent Entertainment Centre and the Silverdome.

Forecast investments worth more than $275m depend on how well the new trust does its job.

Such laws cannot and should not be rushed. Voters need to know that all parties have been properly consulted and MPs have had time to carefully consider the laws.

The state election on May 2 forced a huge hole in the parliamentary year with just two sitting weeks between April 1 and August 24.

Much of the time in those weeks was dominated by Labor’s leadership woes with the rise and fall of David O’Byrne and Rebecca White’s return to leadership. At the time, the scrutiny of legislation wasn’t the biggest issue occupying the minds of the Labor Opposition.

Just 11 Bills have passed through both Houses so far this year – last year 43 Bills came into effect.

Even with a flurry of last-minute legislation, 2021 will be the least productive parliamentary year in more than two decades.

It’s hardly a record our government can be proud of.