by Chris Becker
Well its begun – here’s the first double dissolution trigger for Prime Minister Abbott to get testy on.
From the ABC:
The Greens and Labor today combined to vote down, by a margin of 35–28, bills which seek to abolish the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), a multi-billion-dollar agency which funds renewable technology developments and projects.
Greens leader Christine Milne has dared Mr Abbott to act on the result.
“Go to an election on it, that’s what I say,” she said.
But senior Government Minister Julie Bishop has given a strong indication the Coalition will not call a double dissolution election.
“Just because you’re given a trigger, it doesn’t mean you have to … pull it,” she said.
“I think the Australian people … were sick and tired of the instability and the uncertainty that was the hallmark of the last at least five years.”
Yes, the adults are indeed in charge. The howls are increasing for an election:
During the debate Ms Milne dared the Prime Minister to call an election on climate change.
“We’ve got a Prime Minister who is effectively barking mad on climate change, barking mad on the greatest threat that is facing this country,” she said.
In the Lower House, Environment Minister Greg Hunt has introduced legislation to enact the Government’s Direct Action policy, which Labor and the Greens also oppose.
They say the Coalition will introduce the bill again next week.
Should be an interesting week ahead then.