Will Senate block bill to postpone local election?

The bill to postpone Local Government Elections for another year could run into a roadblock in the Senate, meaning that even with the government's majority in the lower House it would have to make compromises to get the bill through Parliament.

Several Independent Senators say they won't support the move to hold the vote in 2010. The government needs at least one Independent senator's support to get the bill approved in the Upper House; it would have no difficulty in the House of Representatives.

If the bill passes the life of local government bodies would be extended to mid 2010, meaning that representatives elected in 2003 would be serving seven years.

The bill to postpone the election goes to the House Monday and the Senate is expected to begin debate on it the next day.