Non-government business program is a question of democracy

I FELT a bit like a bushranger holding up a stagecoach in question time on Thursday, but hey, when democracy’s at stake, someone’s gotta do it.

Rather than directing my question to a government minister, I asked it of independent Member for Shepparton, Suzanna Sheed.

Just because no one ever does it doesn’t mean it’s not in the rules.

A key part of any parliamentary democracy is a non-government business program. It allows Opposition members and crossbenchers to introduce bills for discussion and debate.

Victoria is the only parliament in the country without a non-government business program, and this is fundamentally undemocratic.

When I was elected to parliament, one of the first things I did was request a meeting with then-opposition leader Michael O’Brien. As an independent, I felt it was important to have a working relationship with the State Government and the Opposition.

The Andrews government had just won in a landslide.

Michael said to me it was important that the government used its substantial mandate to govern, not rule, and I agreed.

The non-government business program was an important mechanism for ensuring this.

But in Victoria, it no longer exists.

This is a legacy of both major parties. The Kennett government started whittling away the non-government business program in the 1990s, and the Andrews government axed it entirely this term. It is a stain on our democracy.

Not having a non-government business program isn’t the end of the world from a practical point of view.

As an independent, I can still raise matters, lobby for funding, negotiate with ministers and secure massive investment for our electorate.

But it is an important matter of principle.

So this week when my friend and independent colleague Suzanna Sheed wanted to make that point, and to do it in question time for the greatest impact, I was happy and proud to help.

Standing up to the big parties is not always easy, but it is important. Let’s hope the government listens.