Opening of Parliament

Submitted by Penny Sharpe on Tue, 03/05/2011 - 4:37pm

Today marked the opening of the 55th Parliament of NSW. It is essentially a very formal day where new members are sworn in and presented to the Governor. The most important business is the speech given by the Governor that outlines the incoming government's agenda.

I am interested in your thoughts. For my part I am disappointed that despite promises to take the politics out of infrastructure and transport planning, the appointment of Nick Greiner as the Chair of Infrastructure NSW put politics back front and centre. Can you imagine the outcry if Kevid Rudd had appointed Paul Keating as the Chair of Infrastructure Australia?

The only transport project mentioned is the NW rail link.

Other things of note is the intention to "harmonise" OH&S laws, no mention of climate change or the importance of marine parks.

The NSW budget will be on 6 September. The softening up for large budget cuts continued with the new Treasurer's comments today.

The commitment to better web services will be something I watch with interest. New apps does not make Gov 2.0 or even Gov 0.5. The Recall elections law and people's petition will also be worth watching to see how they shape the actions of the parliament.

There are alot of reviews, task forces and investigations. What that actually means is yet to be determined.

In the Legislative Council some of the interesting bits and pieces from today include:

- Liberal Don Harwin was elected unopposed as President

- Nat Jenny Gardiner was elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker

- There was a ballot for Assistant President between Green Cate Faerhmann and the Rev Fred Nile

- Fred Nile was elected 25 votes to 15 with one abstention

- Of the 21 new members only 4 took the pledge sans bible.

- The gender make up of the LC is now 29 men 13 women = 30.9% women

- The gender make up of the LA is 72 men 21 women = 23% women

- Over all the NSW Parliament has 25% women...it's a long way from 50%

Thoughts?

Penny Sharpe's blog

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