1st Parliament: Inactive Member of Parliament... (Private Members Bill)

[Barnes]

Title: Inactive Member of Parliament Amendment to the Constitution of South America Act
Status: Failed
Sponsor: Mr. Politics Junkie (Leader of the Opposition)
Seconder: Mr. Murica

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[Barnes]

First Reading

I call the Leader of the Opposition, and remind him that a Member must second the bill within one day.

[PJ]

Mr. Speaker,

The constitution of our beloved republic contains within it a significant shortcoming. There is no method of dealing with members that are inactive, members who choose not to take part in parliamentary debate, choose not to give input or amendments on legislation, and even choose not to vote on legislation. It is unacceptable that inactive MPs can simply sit around for an entire parliament lasting up to 10 weeks without any form of discipline. This constitutional amendment establishes a procedure by which inactive Members of Parliament can be dealt with while still respecting the results of the election that preceded the parliament in question. MPs have a responsibility to adequately represent the people of South America, and under the status quo, they are freely allowed to neglect their duties altogether. It is immensely important that this parliament addresses this issue in order to give South Americans the proper representation that they deserve.

Thank you Mr. Speaker

[Oakvale]

If I may Mr. Speaker,

The government sees no particular need for this amendment. A precedent of replacement for resigning members can be easily set by your good self upon the first instance of an honorable member signalling his intention to resign. I might suggest the long-established historical precedent of simply replacing the departed member with the next unelected member of the relevant party list.

[PJ]

If I may Mr. Speaker,

The government sees no particular need for this amendment. A precedent of replacement for resigning members can be easily set by your good self upon the first instance of an honorable member signalling his intention to resign. I might suggest the long-established historical precedent of simply replacing the departed member with the next unelected member of the relevant party list.

Mr. Speaker,

Not all inactive members choose to resign. This was an event that occurred quite often in the flawed state of Atlasia: inactive members declined to resign or in some cases didn't even bother to check the Fantasy Elections/Government boards. Meanwhile their posts remained occupied yet inactive. This amendment is broader than resignations because the problem with inactive officeholders is that they do not resign; this ensures that MPs here are held to a higher standard of governance.

[Murica!]

I second the amendment.

[Barnes]

Amendment Stage

Members will now have twenty-four hours to propose amendments.  The Government may introduce no more than two, and if they are not accepted by the Leader of the Opposition, they will be sat aside.

[Barnes]

Second Reading

This bill now moves to the Second Reading debate.

[TNF]

This amendment vests far too much power in the hands of the Speaker. Where is 'inactivity' defined herein? I am absolutely opposed to this.

[PJ]

This amendment vests far too much power in the hands of the Speaker. Where is 'inactivity' defined herein? I am absolutely opposed to this.

Mr. Speaker,

I'd like to remind the Honorable Member that the proposed amendment defines inactivity as the following:

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The speaker only has the ability to dismiss an MP under these circumstances.

[Barnes]

Third Reading

The bill now moves to its Third Reading.

I call Mr. PJ.

[PJ]

I move for a vote.

[Barnes]

The question is that the bill be now read for a third time.

Division!

[Oakvale]

Nay.

[Talleyrand]

Nay

[Potus]

Nay.

[Cranberry]

Aye

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Nay

[Goldwater]

NAY

[PJ]

Aye

[Dereich]

Nay

[Blair]

nay

[Simfan34]

Nay.

[Türkisblau]

Nay

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Aye