GrodsCorp has previously noted John Howard's promise (in relation to control of both houses) to “use our new found authority wisely and soberly and sensibly.”

In another example of the coalition growing more and more arrogant with the passing of each day, controversial new anti-terrorism legislation will be introduced next Tuesday to the House of Representatives 90 minutes after the Melbourne Cup race with the opposition allowed only 10 minutes to examine the bill instead of the usual fortnight.

This is not democratic. Regardless of the merits or otherwise of this particular legislation, democracy demands that it be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and vigorous debate.