QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES HANDBOOK Introduction The Queensland Parliamentary Procedures handbook is designed to inform Ministers, other Members of the Legislative Assembly and departmental officers of the various procedures associated with the major functions of the Parliament. In particular, departmental officers will value the information provided about the legislative process, the tabling of papers and reports, and interaction with parliamentary committees. The handbook can be accessed on the Queensland Parliament website at: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/procedures. Enquiries about the Parliamentary Procedures Handbook The Clerk of the Parliament Parliament House Queensland [email protected] August 2020 The Queensland Parliamentary Procedures Handbook Contents 1.0 Definition of Parliament and the functions of the Legislative Assembly .............................. 1 1.1 Definition of Parliament ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Overview of the functions of the Legislative Assembly ............................................................................ 1 1.3 Supply, confidence and government ........................................................................................................ 1 1.4 Legislative function ................................................................................................................................... 2 1.5 Financial control ....................................................................................................................................... 2 1.6 Scrutiny of the Executive .......................................................................................................................... 3 1.7 Inquisitorial function ................................................................................................................................. 3 1.8 Forum for debate and grievance .............................................................................................................. 3 2.0 Sources of parliamentary law and practice ........................................................................ 4 2.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Statute ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.3 Standing Orders ........................................................................................................................................ 5 2.4 Sessional Orders ....................................................................................................................................... 5 2.5 Rulings of the Chair ................................................................................................................................... 6 2.6 Custom and practice ................................................................................................................................. 6 2.7 Practice of other Parliaments ................................................................................................................... 6 2.8 Conflict between sources of procedure.................................................................................................... 6 2.9 Setting aside a procedure ......................................................................................................................... 6 3.0 Parliamentary publications ............................................................................................... 7 3.1 Record of Proceedings (Hansard) ............................................................................................................. 7 3.2 Notice Paper ............................................................................................................................................. 9 4.0 Parliamentary sittings and terms .................................................................................... 14 4.1 The sessions of Parliament ..................................................................................................................... 14 4.2 The parliamentary calendar .................................................................................................................... 14 4.3 Sitting periods and sitting days ............................................................................................................... 14 4.4 Prorogation and its effects ..................................................................................................................... 15 4.5 Recess ..................................................................................................................................................... 15 4.6 Dissolution of Parliament and its effects ................................................................................................ 15 4.7 Fixed four-year parliamentary terms ...................................................................................................... 16 5.0 Motions, resolutions and orders ..................................................................................... 17 5.1 Motions ................................................................................................................................................... 17 5.2 Notice of motion ..................................................................................................................................... 17 5.3 Leave to move a motion without notice ................................................................................................. 18 5.4 Some rules relating to motions............................................................................................................... 18 5.5 Resolutions and orders ........................................................................................................................... 18 6.0 Amendments ................................................................................................................. 20 6.1 Definition ................................................................................................................................................ 20 6.2 Drafting of amendments to Bills ............................................................................................................. 20 6.3 Main rules relating to amendments ....................................................................................................... 20 7.0 Legislation ...................................................................................................................... 22 7.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 22 7.2 Fundamental Legislative Principles ......................................................................................................... 22 7.3 Human Rights Act 2019 .......................................................................................................................... 22 7.4 Classification of Bills ............................................................................................................................... 23 7.5 Preparation of Bills ................................................................................................................................. 23 7.6 Approval of Government Bills ................................................................................................................. 23 7.7 Printing of Bills, explanatory notes and statements of compatibility ..................................................... 23 7.8 Legislative process .................................................................................................................................. 24 Contents 7.9 Introduction and first reading ................................................................................................................. 25 7.10 Bills referred to portfolio committees .................................................................................................... 27 7.11 Urgent Bills .............................................................................................................................................. 27 7.12 Second reading debate ........................................................................................................................... 28 7.13 Consideration in detail ............................................................................................................................ 28 7.14 Amendments during consideration in detail .......................................................................................... 30 7.15 Third reading and long title .................................................................................................................... 30 7.16 Attorney-General’s confirmation letter for Royal Assent ....................................................................... 31 7.17 Royal Assent ............................................................................................................................................ 31 7.18 Urgent Assent to a Bill ...........................................................................................................................