Howard's Senate reform proposals are another grab for absolute power

What the Senate is currently stopping is the government making medicines more expensive, the Senate is stopping them making life more difficult for the disabled, the Senate is stopping an erosion of civil liberties and an undermining of workers rights.

Not passing these does not threaten our economy. The Senate can hardly be accused of applying the handbrake to progress.

The Democrats will continue to steer legislation that is beneficial to all Australians through the Senate, while using the system to avoid the potholes of excess.

A system that allows for this appropriate check and balance is far preferable to one that allows any prime Minister to jump aboard a steamroller and force through any retrograde, ideologically driven legislation that takes its fancy.

Democracy is designed to ensure that all citizens have an equal say. The Senate guarantees that and the Australian public is wise to it.