FED:Coalition defends climate pairs stance

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2011
FED:Coalition defends climate pairs stance

The federal opposition has defended its tough approach to a long-standing parliamentary
convention, saying it's up to the government to ensure all its MPs are available for votes
on the carbon tax legislation.

The coalition will refuse to grant a pair to any Labor MP who is unable to attend parliament
when a vote is taken on the draft laws.

CHRISTOPHER PYNE, the manager of opposition business, has told the ABC that there will
be no pairs except in exceptional circumstances, and it's up to the government to schedule
votes on the bills when its MPs are available.

AAP RTV rl/wf

KEYWORD: CLIMATE (CANBERRA)

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