Australian independents offer conditions for joining government
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Three independents in talks over minority government on Wednesday released a list of seven demands to secure their support.
Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Bob Katter on Wednesday addressed the National Press Club with new Greens Member of Parliament (MP) Adam Bandt, and their diverse opinions were clear. The list included access to the latest Treasury advice on election promise costings and the economic outlook for Australia.
They also seek briefings from key government departmental secretaries on a range of issues, from health to infrastructure, as well as talks with ministers and shadow ministers on their policy plans for the next three years.
According to Australian Associated Press, The trio are seeking a written commitment to serving out the full three-year term and detail as to "how this commitment to a full term will be fulfilled, either by enabling legislation or other means."
Also, the independents want changes to political donations, electoral funding, and truth in advertising reforms.
Prime Minister, also Labor Leader Julia Gillard on Wednesday said she has responded "positively" to a seven-point plan presented to her by three independents.
"They presented me earlier today with a letter raising seven items," Gillard told reporters in a press conference in Canberra on Wednesday. "I have responded to that letter in writing. I have responded positively to each of the seven items."
She said she was seeking advice on whether to allow the independents access to Treasury's costings of Labor and coalition promises during the election.
Gillard could understand why the three independents had sought information in relation to election promise costings, saying that the public service, in accordance with normal practice, cost election promises with a view to presenting the incoming government with a comprehensive brief.
But such material would not normally be made available in the caretaker period and she was seeking advice on changing that, she said.
The independents were also seeking some "wise elders" to provide advice to them and the Australian people about what is possible in parliamentary reform and a "changed way of doing politics". And they asked that Labor strategist Bruce Hawker assist with that.
"I have said I will facilitate that with a request to Mr Hawker, " she said. "It is my understanding they will make a similar request of Mr Abbott relating to someone more associated with the Liberal Party."
Gillard also guaranteed that if she formed a government, she would do her utmost to serve out a full term.
Meanwhile, the independents have also asked for advice on Labor and the Coalition's plans for parliamentary reform, including expanding the committee system, increasing time to consider private members' business and bills, and overhauling question time and the end-of-session adjournment debate.
The independent want to begin formal talks with political leaders by Sept. 3. Either party has to gain support from the independents and Greens' MP to form minority government, if the negotiation does not work, Australia will be going to another election in approximately next month.
