BRAND MHR Madeleine King has called out Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s ‘arrogance’ for cancelling a full sitting week of Parliament.
Mrs King said it showed contempt for those who had pre-booked meetings at Parliament.
“He has shown a blatant disregard for all those people and organisations who have scheduled meetings with MPs in Canberra,” she said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“Charities, local councils and industry groups from around the country now face the cost of flights and accommodation to meetings that may not take place.”
She said it also flew in the face of Labor’s scrutiny of the Government.
“Instead of doing his job, Malcolm Turnbull has decided he will have a week off rather than face Labor’s calls for a banking Royal Commission; rather than face up to his attack on penalty rates, rather than face the 53 items of legislative business that could be actively debated by the House of Representatives next week,” she said.
“The Turnbull Government has shown an arrogant disregard for the ongoing bipartisan work of the Committees of the Parliament.
“Unlike the Prime Minister, I will not dismiss my responsibility to participate in the important work of the Joint Standing Committees on Human Rights; Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade; and Public Accounts and Audit.”
She said it also threatened planned engagements she had within the Brand electorate.
“Those in the community expecting my attendance at school graduations, constituent meetings and electorate commitments will all be cancelled should he decide Parliament will sit for another week in December,” she said.
“This manipulation of parliamentary sitting dates is a disgraceful and undemocratic move by a government running scared and utterly unable to do its job and govern the country.”
MORE: Motorcyclist from Baldivis seriously injured after crashing during chase
MORE: Nic and Kolo takes out Premier’s Award at 51st Gold Plate Awards