Fed: Senate starts renewed debate on stimulus package

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2009
Fed: Senate starts renewed debate on stimulus package

CANBERRA, Feb 13 AAP - Senators have started a renewed debate on the government's $42
billion economic stimulus package as negotiations behind the scenes aim to overcome a
parliamentary impasse.

The Senate is considering a new package of bills passed by the lower house late on
Thursday night.

At the same time, Treasurer Wayne Swan is trying to convince Independent senator Nick
Xenophon to support the package.

The South Australian senator voted with the coalition to scuttle the government's package
on Thursday.

Opposition Senate leader Nick Minchin warned the government against another round of
filibustering, referring to Thursday's drawn-out debate while Labor and the Greens hammered
out a deal.

Senator Minchin said the government should be talking to the opposition about a different
stimulus package or be held to ransom by the crossbench.

Government Senate leader Chris Evans said the coalition had "dealt themselves out of
the game" when opposing outright the package.

"You declared you would oppose this every step of the way," he told parliament.

The opposition was more interested in playing long-term politics than addressing the
issues of the day, he said.

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KEYWORD: STIMULUS SENATE

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