… on Radical Anti-Protest Legislation
The Attorney General has admitted that she is relying on advice from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) that the government’s radical anti-protest legislation is Constitutionally valid.
“It’s now clear that the Attorney General has failed to take Solicitor General’s advice on whether the Bill is contrary to Australia’s constitution, and is instead relying on advice from OPC,” said Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim MP.
“This will potentially expose the Tasmanian taxpayer to significant costs if the Bill passes the Upper House and is inevitably challenged in the High Court.”
“This is an admission of complete incompetence from the Attorney General, particularly as the Liberals relied on supposed constitutional uncertainty to justify voting as a block against Marriage Equality legislation recently.”
“OPC are extremely professional and highly qualified, but they are not the government’s statutory legal advisor. That is the role of the Solicitor General and it beggars belief that the Attorney General has not sought appropriate advice,” Mr McKim said.
Nick McKim MP | Greens Justice spokesperson
