Labour's Mining Bill Voted Down

The Underground Coal Mining Safety Bill has been voted down.

The bill in the name of Damien O’Connor would require the immediate adoption of the Queensland framework for mine safety.

National MPs said the bill was not needed because the health and safety regime had been improved since the Pike River Mine Disaster and more reform was before Parliament which would supersede Mr O’Connor’s bill. Labour MPs argued the Government was too slow to act and it appeared the Government was now considering watering down proposals.

The bill was voted down by 61 to 60 with National, ACT and United Future opposed.

MPs then began the first readingsof the Electoral (Adjustment of Thresholds) Amendment Bill.

The bill in the name of Iain Lees-Galloway seeks to lower the party vote threshold from five percent to four percent.

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