Independent Senators keep open minds

THE INDEPENDENT Senators have not taken and will not take any position on the Police Service Reform Bills until they are debated in the Upper House on July 6. This was the disclosure yesterday from leader of the Independent Senators, Dr Eastlyn McKenzie, after National Security Minister Martin Joseph moved a motion in the Senate to have the Bills first debated in the House of Representatives on July 2.

Despite reports of different Independent Senators expressing reservations about the Bills, McKenzie told Newsday, “Independent Senators do not caucus on any matter before the Senate, hence we cannot say what the position of the others will be. They will be debated in the House of Representatives first. We decide after hearing the presentation (on the Bills) in the Senate (on July 6.)” McKenzie declined to say whether feedback from separate discussions being held by the Government and Opposition with various groups on the legislation would influence the way the Independent Senators would vote on July 6. Government needs a two-thirds majority (20 votes) to pass the Bills in the Senate.