End of the Budget Amendment [Withdrawn]

[Јas]

I think it's clear the budgetary process doesn't work.

If there is to be any sort of budgetary process, the current constitutional model, simply isn't workable. Given the problems involved in a budgetary process, I believe that if any form of budgetary practive is to be tried in future then it should be based on statutary, not constitutional, principles.

I would therefore recommend that this amendment be passed and that should those willing to commit to work on a budgetary process wish to proceed with one a legislative franework be submitted as ordinary legislation for consideration.

[Јas]

First off, let me say that I feel the original Amendment submitted and that which we are deciding on now are both preferable to the status quo. Personally, I would have prefered removing all references to the budget from the Constitution and leaving it as a purely legislative matter. However, it seems quite clear that should I vote Nay now, the Amendment will fail to get the necessary 2/3 support to go to the regions.

It does seem possible though, that the proposal at discussion could get the 7 votes required. Though I don't feel it's ideal, I do think it's a substantial improvement on the current Constitutional provisions. Therefore, I vote in favour of the Amendment.