Premier being ‘disingenuous’ over no-confidence motion — Skelton

Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has accused Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley of being disingenuous in his approach to the recent no-confidence motion filed against his government.

Speaking during a press conference, Skelton suggested that the Premier’s actions may have undermined the democratic process of the House of Assembly. According to Skelton, the Opposition’s motion of no confidence, first introduced in November, was sidestepped when the Premier reportedly walked out of the House, effectively halting its progress.

“The introduction of the motion was already in process, and they walked out. The government walked out of their own House that they have the majority for,” Skelton said.

He added that the Premier’s reported attempt to negotiate the timing of the motion was inappropriate. “He cannot do that based on the democratic process,” he stated.

Skelton also criticised the reordering of the House’s agenda, which he claimed was used to delay debate on the motion.

“In most parliaments, the order paper only lasts for a day. Here, it goes on for weeks and months. He’s playing with the democratic process in my mind,” the Opposition Leader added.

This is not the first time Skelton and his Opposition colleagues have voiced concerns about the Premier’s legislative approach. During the press conference, other Opposition members echoed frustrations over what they see as a lack of respect for parliamentary proceedings. Despite the setbacks, Skelton promised the opposition would reintroduce the no-confidence motion.

“The 21 items that were listed in that motion in November…  they still are very relevant, and there’s more that can be added,” Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull said. “We will do our job to bring it back to the House of Assembly because it’s part of the democratic process. It’s part of how you keep the government accountable.”

The motion, tabled in response to what the Opposition views as government mismanagement, highlights concerns ranging from economic stagnation to deteriorating infrastructure.

Skelton reaffirmed these points, stating that the territory’s roadways and water infrastructure are in dire need of attention. Skelton urged the government to prioritise the needs of the people and called for greater accountability in the legislative process.