Victorian MPs forced to sit extra days as Libs blamed for drawing out debates

VICTORIAN MPs are being forced to sit extra days to tackle the growing backlog of Bills in the Upper House before the November election.

VICTORIAN MPs are being forced to sit extra days to tackle the growing backlog of Bills in the Upper House before ­November’s election.

Legislative Council members will extend Thursday sittings and add Friday sessions in a bid to deal with the ­Andrews Government’s legislative promises before Victorians head to the polls.

The drastic move comes as Liberal MPs are accused of causing delays and drawing out debate on a series of controversial Bills.

This included debate on the euthanasia Bill, which lasted two days and at one point was suspended after 24 hours when an MP collapsed.

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Upper House MPs also sat all night during debate on fire services reform, before the Bill was defeated in the infamous “Good Friday” pairing ploy.

Liberal MPs and devout Christians Bernie Finn and Craig Ondarchie were granted a “pair” by Labor but later reappeared to vote the Bill down.

Premier Daniel Andrews is under fire from the Opposition Leader

Upper House whip Jaclyn Symes said the Coalition was filibustering during debates and wasting time.

The view that the Coalition is frustrating debate is backed by crossbenchers, who say the extra sitting days will mean more time spent away from their electorates.

But Upper House Leader of the Opposition Mary Wooldridge said the Coalition was carrying out basic scrutiny, which should have occurred in the Lower House.

“Daniel Andrews’ often flawed and partisan legislation requires detailed scrutiny and often amendment, and that is exactly what the Liberal- ­Nationals are doing,” she said.

Up to 20 Bills remain on the list to be passed before November. Premier Daniel Andrews said: “We ­believe there is ­adequate time to progress a range of different Bills.”

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