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Backbenchers - with Backbone!

It is hard to conceive any Australian Government Coalition member voting against anything John Howard and crew want passed [save for Barnaby Joyce - perhaps] but it is refreshing to read [see The Times report here] that 49 Labour Party members in the UK yesterday voted against Tony Blair's proposal to allow for 90 days detention.

It is worth reflecting on whether Coalition members are sheep, driven by the wish not put PM Howard off side or perhaps simply seeking to curry favour in order to get a Cabinet post, but surely some members must have some sort of conscience. Then again, perhaps not. Just consider what the Howard Government plans in relation to pensions payable to single parents and the disabled. This morning's SMH carries an opinion piece on what lies ahead for this already disadvantaged group in the community.

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