Move on Early Election an Opportunity for NFP Sector
21 March 2016 at 12:15 pm
The Federal Government’s move to recall Parliament and bring down an early budget with the threat of a double dissolution election signals a major opportunity for the Not for Profit sector, according to sector leaders.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that he will recall Parliament for an additional three weeks from 18 April. He said the move would give the Senate three extra weeks to pass critical legislation but if it failed to do so he would call a double dissolution election.
The Federal Budget has been brought forward a week to 3 May.
The election is expected to take place on 2 July 2016 if a double dissolution is called.
Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie said ending speculation, getting the double dissolution underway, and allowing the community to have its say will be a good outcome.
“The sector has been aware for some time of the tentative nature of government under a new Prime Minister. Decisions have been a little difficult to achieve and it has felt a little like a pseudo election period,” Crosbie said
“Now, more than ever, is the time for the sector to be strongly expressing its policy goals and pushing for the reforms and support we most need.
“Our sector should be part of the election campaign, part of the national policy discussions and part of forming the agenda for the new incoming government. This will only happen if we are prepared to actively advocate at a local level and support the broader national advocacy of others.”
Crosbie said it has been clear for some time that the primary government agenda was to end what government sees as blockages in the Senate and force a double dissolution.
“There is no point passing legislation that would effectively end micro party representation, then allowing an upset cross bench to stay in place for a further three years. The government now needs a double dissolution to implement the consequences of the newly passed senate reforms. Recalling Parliament early is the best way to achieve this outcome,” he said.
