Vic. parliament shut-down.

Anyone notice? The 'lower'-house in the Victorian state parliament was shut-down until November 26. by the Speaker a couple of days ago. He cited repeated rowdy and unruly behaviour on the part of members. Was that the real reason?

Facts may lead doubters to think the government-appointed speaker was actually motivated by something else. With the government trailing in opinion polls, it has become imperative they avoid a vote on any crucial matter which may lead to toppling them on the floor of the house. They used to 'enjoy' a one seat majority in the house ... counting on the support of a former elected government member who, mid-term, was accused of doing something very naughty in parliamentary terms and, chose (or was obliged?) to resign from the party pending the outcome of legal investigations. For a  time this precarious situation worked... but, a festering relationship with the government in general and, apparently, the speaker in particular, has the allegedly errant 'independant' vowing to vote with the opposition on controversial legislation.

Creating some breathing-space?