Stimulus Package Sent to Senate

The Greens and minor parties have combined with the Opposition to delay a vote on the Government’s $42 billion economic stimulus package by sending it to a Senate inquiry for scrutiny.

The package, which includes over $12 billion worth of cash payments of up to $950 for low and middle-income families and almost $30 billion for infrastructure, will now not be voted on until next week.

The Government had argued after a marathon debate in the House of Representatives that some of the bills needed to be passed by today in order to allow the payments to be made next month and offered to split scrutiny of the legislation.

But instead the non-government members sent all six bills to the Finance and Public Administration Committee for an inquiry which will begin later today and see representatives of Treasury appear to give evidence.

Centrelink officials are expected to appear tomorrow, with non-government organisations having their say on Monday.

5 February 09

• North Coast Trials New Electricity Technology
• Grapes of wrath at gaping path
• Increased Airport Fees Not Significant: REX
• Arson Attack Takes Out Phone Lines
• Swan Fails to Thrill
• Ad Scam Targets Local Businesses
• Police Posting Debate Continues
• Slowing Consumer Demand may 'Impact' Traders
• Rain Eases but Flood Warning Remains
• Rego Hike Sparks Backlash
• Garrett Grilled Over Insulation
• Rates Cap a Con
• Police Say More Officers Needed at Riot Scene
• Kyogle Pheonix from the Ashes
• Worst Yet to Come for Queensland Builders
• Flood Warning for Northern Rivers
• Maclean Council Consider Supermarket Plan
• Rail Freight Terminal Planned for Casino
• Students Protest over School Brawl Death
• Rudd in Lismore for Health Talks
• Government Plans to Increase Fuel
• Sleepers Boost Grafton Jobs
• NSW Floods Recede
• Northern NSW Firefighters Offer Vic Help
• Stimulus Package Sent to Senate

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