westminster system flawed!, page-2

Queensland's Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has rushed through legislation to stop Katter's Australian Party (KAP) from getting a slice of Opposition funding.

It comes after the former Liberal National Party (LNP) Member for Condamine, Ray Hopper, defected to KAP at the weekend.

KAP has since applied for recognised political party status and one-third of the Opposition funding.

Mr Seeney introduced legislation to State Parliament on Thursday night to stop that from happening.

"There is no way, Madam Speaker, that this Government is going to accede to a request from the Katter's Australia Party to opportunistically claim a third of the Opposition's funding," he said.

"That is not something that is good for the Parliament or good for us as a Government."

The bill was passed shortly after it was introduced.

Four MPs voted against the legislation, including Alex Douglas, who today became an independent after quitting the LNP.

KAP MP Shane Knuth had told the House the bill should not have been rushed through.

"This should have been given the opportunity to take to the committees so that it could be talked about, the legislation thoroughly investigated to ensure that we have an effective Opposition," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-29/queensland-parliament-passes-laws-to-deny-katter-party-funding/4399992