It is now over 10 weeks since Australia's first Marriage Equality Bill was introduced into the Tasmanian parliament. It passed the lower house, but this week was defeated in the upper house and is therefore a no-goer. There seems to be a feeling that some of those voting against the bill were concerned about the constitutionality of state-approved same-sex marriages, when marriages are currently a matter of federal responsibility. This suggests that the bill might be reintroduced, if these legal concerns can be addressed. Will it be a case of not there yet, or will another state be more successful with a different bill for marriage equality?
It is also 10 weeks since the Forest Peace talks seemed to be on the verge of forging an historic agreement. However, it now seems they are on the verge of collapse, following a proposed restructure of Forestry Tasmania by the government. I'm beginning to think I will not see peace in the forests in my lifetime.
On the other hand, this week's news is that Gunn's Pulp Mill has bitten the dust and will not now be built and that situation has been on the cards for at least a decade.
It is also 10 weeks since the Forest Peace talks seemed to be on the verge of forging an historic agreement. However, it now seems they are on the verge of collapse, following a proposed restructure of Forestry Tasmania by the government. I'm beginning to think I will not see peace in the forests in my lifetime.
On the other hand, this week's news is that Gunn's Pulp Mill has bitten the dust and will not now be built and that situation has been on the cards for at least a decade.
No comments:
Post a Comment