Telstra Senate debate delayed again

James Riley
Tuesday, 16 March 2010 12:46

IT Policy - Regulation

The Senate debate on the telecommunications reform package has been delayed again, and may not make it to a vote until the May budget sittings.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy accused the coalition of "wilfully" delaying the process, both to block the telecom reform measures and to slow the movement of Government business in the Senate.

The debate had been expected to have proceeded today, but was not listed by Government on this morning's Order of Business for the chamber.

Senator Conroy said the Opposition had "stacked the list" of speakers - each of whom are allowed 20 minutes to address the bill - and that the debate had been adjourned to allow other business to proceed through the senate.

"After doing nothing for 11 and a half years the Opposition are now filibustering and wilfully delaying measures designed to fix problems with the existing telecommunications regulatory framework," Senator Conory said.

"Instead of bringing it on, they've stacked on almost every Opposition speaker to fill space and slow down debate," he said.

Although Government says it remains committed to having the legislation considered by the Senate this week, there is growing concern that it will not be debated until the next sitting period, in May.

Greens communications spokesman Senator Scott Ludlam also told iTWire that without the apparent support of Steve Fielding - who appears the hold the balance on this bill - Government probably saw the debate as a waste of the senate's time.