GOLDING
Robert Hart
, Staff Reporter
OPPOSITION SENATOR Bruce Golding wants the annual debate on the National Budget extended to the Senate, potentially allowing his colleagues to amend the yearly Estimates of Expenditure.
During yesterday's sitting of the Upper House, members followed tradition and approved the 2004/2005 Appropriations Bill outlining the $328 billion budget without debate.
But Mr. Golding stood to note that the Senate was not a rubber-stamp for legislation passed in the House of Representatives.
"If a piece of legislation is to come here and either we can't debate it or, if we debate it, we can't seek to change it, then quite frankly don't waste my time," Mr. Golding said.
"It's better that we amend the Constitution so it doesn't come here at all, but if it comes here it must come here prepared to be treated."
The Opposition spokesman subsequently suggested that the Standing Orders Committee look into the matter to properly determine if a Senate debate could, in future years, be accommodated.
"There would be no difficulty in my view...the debate was completed in the other place (the House) this week...I don't know that it would damage Government's expenditure timetable if we were to, say, set aside two days next week and say we are going to discuss it."
He added: "In the course of that debate, we may very well make proposals, we may very well seek to amend it. The House can ignore it and then it goes to the Governor General for assent."
"To the extent that I have the honour to serve in this Chamber, I don't want at any time by any authority, including our own misunderstanding of the Constitution to be taken for granted," Senator Golding said.
