Interesting times ahead !

Both the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory are known for thinking differently to the other Australian states, but until now the Federal government has always had the right to curb any legislative excesses - by disallowing any bill with which it disagrees.

That power vanished when the Green coalition forced a bill through the lower house to restrict Federal powers.   Legislation can now only be struck down if that is the combined will of both houses of Federal parliament.

This opens the way for ground breaking change to emerge from either of the two territorial parliaments.  In particular, three avenues of contention are sure to rise to the forefront.     Euthanasia - Same sex marriage - and the legalisation of Marijuana all have adherents and it is inevitable that they will eventually be put to a vote.

All three have been dodged by both of the major political parties.   Each side of politics have strident supporters and equally strident opponents and political leaders have avoided  these subjects because of the perceived political damage that would emerge from open debate.

That option may soon be unavoidable.    If one of the territories moves to make a law change there will be a flowon effect that can no longer be swept under the carpet.     Each of these three subjects is now legal in some countries - and while illegal in many more - is common practice while being studiously ignored by church and state.

To many people this will be a sign of progress.   We tend to cling to old shibboleths which have long passed their use by date because we fear change.    We live in an ever changing world.   It seems that this law change will simply move things along at a faster rate !