The Abbott Governments unique combination of arrogance and incompetence was on display this morning when it unsuccessfully attempted to ram its carbon price repeal bills through the Senate.
In an attempt to ambush the Senate, the Government moved to have the bills declared urgent so it could guillotine debate and force them through by lunchtime today.
This move fell flat when key cross-bench Senators stood up to Government pressure and upheld the Senates democratic role in scrutinising and debating legislation.
If the Governments motion had succeeded it would have ended the second reading debate after just one day and denied all Senators the opportunity to properly examine the nine bills in detail, debate amendments and question Ministers during the committee stage.
The Government sought to end debate today despite the Opposition offering to give up hours of Opposition time in the Senate tomorrow for debate on the bills.
Todays move was an act of bad faith and a demonstration of the Prime Ministers contempt for the Senate.
Mr Abbotts office briefed the media that the bills would be passed by lunchtime and that the Prime Minister would fly into Canberra tomorrow for a triumphant media conference.
While this mornings attempt to manipulate the cross-benches and turn the Senate into an arm of the Prime Ministers Press Office failed, the risk to the Senate from this arrogant Government is undiminished.