Senate obstructionism frustrating: Ciobo

Trade MInister Steven Ciobo says it's frustrating when the Senate stands in the way of legislation, but the government is working to get laws through.

Australia's Trade Minister Steven Ciobo

Trade Minister Steven Ciobo says it's frustrating when the Senate stands in the way of legislation. (AAP)

Government frontbench Steven Ciobo concedes it's frustrating when the Senate takes an obstructionist stance and doesn't appear to back the idea of constitutional reform to prevent policy blockage.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has proposed constitutional referendum be held to enable governments to govern, so a joint sitting of both houses can take place to pass deadlocked bills without a double-dissolution election.

"The fact is under this prime minister and this government we have been able to secure passage of key legislation through the Australian parliament, we've worked constructively and engaged in a meaningful way with the crossbench," :Mr Ciobo told Sky News on Sunday.


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world