Howard accused of Senate bullying(Australia)

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The Government is being accused of letting its Senate majority go to its head as it rushes more contentious Bills through the upper house in the lead up to Christmas.

Last night the Government rammed counter-terror laws and its welfare-to-work changes through the Senate despite an outcry from opposition parties. Last week workplace laws, which were among the biggest industrial changes in over a century, were given just two days of debate, allowing senators the barest time to examine hundreds of amendments.

The terrorism laws were passed after six hours of debate and a similar amount of time was given to the welfare changes. Labor Senate leader Chris Evans said the Government was out of touch with the demands of the Australian people. "(They want) Parliament to consider Bills wisely, soberly and get them right," he said.

The Senate is trying to get through 17 pieces of legislation in the final sitting week of Parliament. Australian Democrats Senator Natasha Stott Despoja accused the Government of undermining the role of the Senate.



sounds so familiar
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17489478%255E29277,00.html