Page hits out over debate’s derailment
Shadow Minister for North Coast and Member for Ballina Don Page slammed the NSW Labor Government for using its numbers in Parliament to shut down debate on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line scheduled for last Thursday.
Mr Page said he had put forward a motion that condemned the Labor Government for axing the train and called on the Government to reinstate services on the line and commence the process of connecting the Casino to Murwillumbah line with the Queensland rail system.
“This motion was due to be debated at 11.30am, but the Iemma Government moved at 10.30am to prohibit debate on the motion, giving Government legislation precedence,” Mr Page said.
“In addition, by giving its legislation precedence, the Government prohibited debate on the NSW Liberal/Nationals Coalition’s payroll tax deduction bill.
“During a sitting week of Parliament, Thursday is the day non-Government members have the opportunity to initiate motions and legislation.
“But the Government is running scared and used its numbers to axe debate on these two important issues.
“This Labor Government is not happy with just axing our train service, now it’s axed the debate on the train service.”
Mr Page said his motion calling for the reinstatement of train services on the Casino to Murwillumbah line and the connection of the line with the Queensland rail system was progressive and constructive and should be debated.
“With six months to go before the next State election, the NSW Labor Government is stifling debate on important issues like the Casino to Murwillumbah rail service, in an effort to save the political neck of the Member for Tweed, Neville Newell,” he said.
