Annisette might be absent for Senate debate on validation bill

Independent Senator Michael Annisette is seeking legal advice on whether he should attend this week's sitting of the Senate at which members will debate the government's Validation and Immunity from Proceedings Bill 2009 seeking to legitimise the commission on enquiry into UDeCOTT and the construction sector.

The bill seeks to validate the probe which has been suspended because of the failure of the government to gazette the commission.

It will also allow commissioners to use all evidence given so far to prepare their report to the President. And it will protect every commissioner and witnesses who gave evidence to the commission from any action or suit.

Read the story: Validation bill laid; UDeCOTT gets OK to challenge probe

UDeCOTT is taking legal action to block the commission and its legal team has advised that the government move cannot retroactively legitimize the commission.

Annisette is a member of the UDeCOTT board and he has defended the state company's right to defend itself.

"Given my interest in the matter, I will be directed by the rules and regulations. I always try to operate on principle irrespective of what people may say," Annisette told local media.

The president general of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Union spoke out against the validation bill last Friday when the attorney general introduced it in the Senate, saying UDeCOTT has a right to file for judicial review against the Uff commission. He was adamant that the state had no right to try to stop UDeCOTT.

Read the story: Senator Annisette defends UDeCOTT

The Senate will debate the bill on Thursday before sending it to the House of Representatives.

It requires a special majority, which the government has in the House but in the Senate it needs at least four additional votes. Those votes could come from either the opposition or four of the nine independent senators.

So far the opposition has not stated if it would support the government. However the bill is likely to get support from some independents who had been very vocal in demanding the inquiry in the first place.