Govt payment of $950...is it going through or will the opposition block it?

[CathyS]

delete

[~shazz~]

isn't it thursday they are voting on it but with the fires and floods i can understand why everyone is a little preoccupied

[CathyS]

Actually someone just told me tonight that the money might go to the bushfire victims, and I totally understand that. I'm not going to complain about money when people have lost their homes and loved ones.

[Trillian]

I don't know if it will or not, but yes, some of the money is now being redirected to the bushfire victims, I don't know if that will impact on the cash payments or not. I actually thought the Govt had a disaster relief fund to deal with this anyway, so not sure on the finer details.

[Madham]

I know the government does have a relief fund for this kind of terrible situation but not sure how much. I think they would have to delay everything else at the moment and sort out the most important first. So i wouldnt think that there will be a vote for awhile.

[briggsy's girl]

news this morning said there were heaps of changes made to the package in the senate so it will have to go back to house of reps to be passed there again, then back to the senate

looks to be at least another week before decisions are made

[Inanna]

Stimulus discussions to continue
AAPFebruary 11, 2009 07:37am+-PrintEmailShare
KEY senators expect to have further talks with the Federal Government today to hammer out an agreement on its $42 billion economic stimulus package.
The Government needs the support of all seven crossbench senators to have legislation implementing the package pass through parliament.

But all seven senators want the Government to make changes.

Family First Senator Steve Fielding wants $4 billion spent on job creation in local communities.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon wants cash bonuses slashed and that money pumped into the ailing Murray-Darling Basin.

The Australian Greens have concerns over access to the dole and the one-off cash payments to millions of Australians, with Greens leader Bob Brown saying the money could be better spent.

"We are not going to stand in the way of the nation getting an economic stimulus, but it doesn't mean we have to accept everything that's in the package," he told ABC radio.

The one-off cash payments was the weakest part of the package, he said.

Senator Brown expects to meet officials from Treasurer Wayne Swan's office today.

"I'm hoping we get toward some sort of finality."

The Government wants its legislation approved by the end of senate business tomorrow.

All reports are that it will be voted upon Thursday night as planned. Life goes on I am afraid senate will continue despite the tragedy in Victoria and far north Qld. Government does have funds to support the events of far north Qld and Victoria.