Fed: Govt faces fight on condensate in the Senate

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2008
Fed: Govt faces fight on condensate in the Senate

The RUDD government is facing yet another fight in the Senate .. as the coalition looks
set to knock back its plans to scrap a condensate tax exemption.

From today .. the government will need to turn to seven balance of power senators ..

unless it has opposition backing to pass laws.

The opposition has already pledged to block the government bill to increase the tax
on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages .. changes to the Medicare levy surcharge threshold
.. and the commonwealth seniors health card.

Following a shadow ministry meeting yesterday .. coalition MPs and senators are now
expected to support a move to oppose the condensate bill at today's joint party room meeting.

This means the government will have to negotiate with the Australian Greens .. independent
NICK XENOPHON .. and Family First's STEVE FIELDING .. if it wants its legislative program
through the Senate.

AAP RTV so/mfh/ldj/de/wz/psm/

KEYWORD: SENATE (CANBERRA)

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