Attorney General Faris Al Rawi

Two independent senators have voted with the government on the contentious Strategic Services Agency Amendment Bill.

The government only needed one vote from the independent bench.

After hours of debate and a committee stage perusal, just before midnight the bill was passed.

The SSA Bill has sparked wide debate in and outside the parliament. Government was advised to withdraw the bill and some suggested it be sent to a joint select committee of the parliament.

Before last night’s vote the Attorney General organised meetings with the independent and the opposition benches, with the intention of passing on information about the bill.