Senate Inquiry Adjourned to May

According to Senator Chanona, witnesses were informed of the delay at the eleventh hour on Sunday night, ahead of sessions that were scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of this week.

 

Janelle Chanona, Chair, Senate Inquiry

“Last night, we moved very quickly to inform the witnesses, we had some key witnesses planned for today, to say that this was technicality that was being brought to the committee’s attention and that we’re looking now at a new date in May for the committee to meet and move ahead with its work.  There is also the matter of the newly-appointed senator for the National Trade Union Congress and civil society committee to be sworn in.  Again, the motion speaks to having that person represent in the committee and make contributions and we want the committee to be at full strength.  So we are also working to make sure that all of those procedures and requirements related thereto happens so that when the committee meets we have the full membership in place.”

 

Reporter

“It’s a lot of delays that this process has been met with, but earlier you also said that all the members of the committee remain undaunted.  The work will continue and you want to see it through.”

 

Janelle Chanona

“I think this is really testament to the fact that this motion was not taken lightly by the senate on a whole.  You will recall that this motion was passed unopposed by the members of the senate.  This is an important matter of public interest and we are determined as the senate to produce a report that will make recommendations that will produce positive change for the work of parliament, particularly the senate and most importantly that public assets and public resources be managed in a way that is within the scrutiny and investigative powers of the senate.”