Mattie McGrath condemns 'shenanigans' over stand-up vote

Mattie McGrath spoke in the House about a past amendment and the stand-up vote on increases, criticising colleagues for how they voted and the lack of support when the vote was called. He argued the public wants relief rather than political games and accused other deputies of failing to stop the increase when they could have.

Stand-up vote recalled

He said an amendment on the increases was put to a stand-up vote last July. McGrath recalled that they put the minister to a vote and stood — there were five of them — and he maintained that "there was no one on this side of the House to stand with us."

Accusations of political games

McGrath accused other deputies of "playing these games" and engaging in maximanship and shenanigans. He said those behaviours distract from delivering relief to voters and framed the conduct as political manoeuvring.

Public priorities emphasised

He stressed that the public want relief, not shenanigans, and criticised colleagues for not standing up to stop the increase when it should have been stopped. McGrath warned against trying to close the door after the opportunity to act had passed.

Planned follow-up

McGrath said he may speak to Doherty to explain why he believes others are engaging in these tactics, signalling further engagement on the issue within the House.