Frank Sartor’s Controversial Bill Passed
The highly controversial Bill promoted by the Minister for Planning, The Hon. Frank Sartor, The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2008, Building Professionals Amendment Bill 2008, and Strata Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 passed Parliament after a noisy and aggressive debate which involved over one hundred amendments and finished at 2.00am on Wednesday 18 June.
The amendments were mostly moved by the Greens to correct the excesses of the Bill and all were defeated. Rev Fred Nile moved some amendments, after consultation with the Minister, designed to win support for the Bill. Dr Moyes felt the amendments did not solve the fundamental planning issues and did not restore the full role of local Councils in planning and developments in the local communities. In the final votes, Rev Nile supported the Minister and the Government, and Rev Dr Moyes voted against the Bill. The vote for the Bill was passed by one vote.
In a Democratic Party like the CDP, differing viewpoints on non-moral issues are an example of healthy debate and viewpoints. Christians do not always see things the same way as best for God, the family and the community. Click here to read Dr Moyes’ complete speech on this Bill.
Rev The Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes, A.C., M.L.C.
