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HOUSE PRACTICE
- PRELIMINARY TEXT
-
CHAPTER 01 - THE PARLIAMENT AND THE ROLE OF THE HOUSE
- COMPOSITION
-
GOVERNOR-GENERAL
- GOVERNOR-GENERAL
- APPOINTMENT
- ADMINISTRATOR AND DEPUTIES
- OFFICIAL SECRETARY
-
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
- POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
- PREROGATIVE POWERS
- FUNCTIONS IN RELATION TO THE PARLIAMENT
- FUNCTIONS IN RELATION TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT
- FUNCTIONS IN RELATION TO THE JUDICIARY
-
POWERS AND JURISDICTION OF THE HOUSES
- POWERS AND JURISDICTION OF THE HOUSES
- NON-LEGISLATIVE POWERS
- LEGISLATIVE POWER
-
THE COURTS AND PARLIAMENT
- THE COURTS AND PARLIAMENT
- CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
- PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
- THE COURTS AS A CHECK ON THE POWER OF PARLIAMENT
- JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS IN MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
- THE RIGHT OF PARLIAMENT TO THE SERVICE OF ITS MEMBERS IN PRIORITY TO THE CLAIMS OF THE COURTS
- ATTENDANCE OF PARLIAMENTARY EMPLOYEES IN COURT OR THEIR ARREST
- PARLIAMENT AND THE COURTSOTHER MATTERS
- CONSTITUTION ALTERATION
- ASPECTS OF THE ROLE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
- INDEPENDENCE OF THE HOUSES
-
FUNCTIONS OF THE HOUSE
- FUNCTIONS OF THE HOUSE
- THE GOVERNMENTMAKING AND UNMAKING
- THE INITIATION AND CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION
- SEEKING INFORMATION ON AND CLARIFICATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICY
- SURVEILLANCE, APPRAISAL AND CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
- CONSIDERATION OF FINANCIAL PROPOSALS AND EXAMINATION OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
- INQUIRY BY COMMITTEE
- VENTILATION OF GRIEVANCES AND MATTERS OF INTEREST OR CONCERN
- RECEIVING PETITIONS
- EXAMINATION OF DELEGATED LEGISLATION
- PREREQUISITES FOR FULFILLING FUNCTIONS
-
CHAPTER 02 - HOUSE, GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION
- INTRODUCTION
- GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT
- POLITICAL PARTIES
-
THE MINISTRY
- NUMBER OF MINISTERS
- COMPOSITION OF THE MINISTRY
- PRIME MINISTER
- TREASURER
- ATTORNEY-GENERAL
- LEADER OF THE HOUSE
- CESSATION OF MINISTERIAL OFFICE
- MINISTERIAL ASSISTANCE
- MINISTERIAL SALARIES
- PERSONAL OR PECUNIARY INTEREST AND RELATED MATTERS
- CABINET
- FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
- THE (OFFICIAL) OPPOSITION
-
CHAPTER 03 - ELECTIONS AND THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM
- THE FIRST ELECTION
- THE COMMONWEALTH ELECTORAL ACT
- ELECTORS
- NUMBER OF MEMBERS
- ELECTORAL DIVISIONS
- GENERAL ELECTIONS
- BY-ELECTIONS
- SENATE ELECTIONS
- METHOD OF VOTING
-
THE ELECTION PROCESS
- THE ELECTION PROCESS
- ISSUE OF WRITS
- NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES
- POLLING DAY
- DECLARATION OF THE POLL
- RETURN OF WRITS
- MEETING OF A NEW PARLIAMENT
-
PUBLIC FUNDING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
- PUBLIC FUNDING FOR ELECTIONS
- FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
- DISPUTED ELECTIONS AND RETURNS
-
CHAPTER 04 - PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND ACCESS TO PROCEEDINGS
-
THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
- MEETINGS IN MELBOURNE AND PROVISIONAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE IN CANBERRA
- THE PERMANENT PARLIAMENT HOUSE
- THE CHAMBER
-
ACCESS TO PROCEEDINGS
- ACCESS TO PROCEEDINGS
- BROADCASTING OF PROCEEDINGS
- PHOTOGRAPHS AND FILMS OF PROCEEDINGS
- TELEVISING, RECORDING AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
- PHOTOGRAPHY, FILMING, ETC INSIDE PARLIAMENT HOUSE
- RELATIONS WITH THE MEDIA
- PROMOTING COMMUNITY AWARENESS
- INTERNET ACCESS TO THE HOUSE
- PARLIAMENTARY EDUCATION OFFICE
- PARLIAMENTARY PRECINCTS AND THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY
-
THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
-
CHAPTER 05 - MEMBERS
- THE MEMBER’S ROLE
- THE MEMBERS ROLE
- THE MEMBER AND THE HOUSE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
- QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS
- SWEARING-IN
- NEW MEMBERS
- PECUNIARY INTEREST
- MEMBERS REMUNERATION AND ENTITLEMENTS
- ATTENDANCE
- VACANCY
- TITLES ACCORDED TO MEMBERS
- DRESS AND CONDUCT IN THE CHAMBER
- SERVICE ON NON-PARLIAMENTARY ORGANISATIONS
-
CHAPTER 06 - THE SPEAKER, DEPUTY SPEAKERS AND OFFICERS
- THE OFFICE OF SPEAKER
- ELECTION OF SPEAKER
-
POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
- POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
- CONSTITUTIONAL
- CEREMONIAL AND TRADITIONAL
- STATUTORY
- PROCEDURAL
- ADMINISTRATIVE
- EX OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES AND ASSOCIATIONS
- ABSENCE OF SPEAKER AND VACANCY IN OFFICE
-
THE SPEAKERS VOTE
- EXERCISE OF THE CASTING VOTE
- SPEAKER VOTING IN COMMITTEE
- SOURCES OF PROCEDURAL AUTHORITY
- SPEAKERS RULINGS
- CRITICISM OF SPEAKERS ACTIONS AND CONDUCT
- DEPUTY SPEAKER
- SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER
- SPEAKERS PANEL
-
STAFF OF THE HOUSE AND ADMINISTRATION
- STAFF OF THE HOUSE AND ADMINISTRATION
- THE PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE ACT
- PRINCIPAL STAFF OF THE HOUSE
- THE DEPARTMENT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
-
THE OTHER PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS
- THE OTHER PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS
- DEPARTMENT OF THE SENATE
- DEPARTMENT OF PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES
- PARLIAMENTARY FINANCES
-
CHAPTER 07 - THE PARLIAMENTARY CALENDAR
- INTRODUCTION
- TERMINOLOGY
-
A PARLIAMENT
- A PARLIAMENT
- SUMMONING PARLIAMENT
-
PROCEEDINGS ON OPENING DAY
- PROCEEDINGS ON OPENING DAY
- HOUSE ASSEMBLES AND PARLIAMENT OPENED
- DEPUTY APPOINTED BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL
- MEMBERS SWORN
- ELECTION OF SPEAKER
- PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER TO GOVERNOR-GENERAL
- GOVERNOR-GENERALS SPEECH
- FORMAL BUSINESS
- REPORT OF GOVERNOR-GENERALS SPEECH AND ADDRESS IN REPLY COMMITTEE
- OTHER BUSINESS
- PROPOSED NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPENING DAY
- DISSOLUTION
- EXPIRATION
- PROLONGATION
-
A SESSION
- A SESSION
-
OPENING OF A NEW SESSION
- OPENING OF A NEW SESSION
- OPENING BY THE SOVEREIGN
- PROROGATION
- THE ADDRESS IN REPLY
-
SITTING AND NON-SITTING PERIODS
- STATISTICS
- SITTING PERIODS
- PATTERN OF SITTINGS
- DAYS AND HOURS OF MEETING
- SPECIAL ADJOURNMENTS
- SPECIAL REASSEMBLIES OF THE HOUSE
-
CHAPTER 08 - ORDER OF BUSINESS AND THE SITTING DAY
- INTRODUCTION
-
SITTINGS
- DEFINITION
- TWO SITTINGS COMMENCING ON THE ONE DAY
- LENGTH OF SITTINGS
- JOINT SITTINGS
- JOINT MEETINGS
- SECRET SITTINGS AND MEETINGS
-
SUSPENSION OF SITTINGS
- SUSPENSION OF SITTINGS
- PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDERS
- PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE
- PRACTICE OF THE HOUSE
- MEETING OF THE HOUSE
- PRAYERS
-
ORDER OF BUSINESS
- ORDER OF BUSINESS
- ORDER OF BUSINESS ON MONDAYS
- MOTIONS TO SET OR VARY THE ORDER OF BUSINESS
-
ORDINARY ORDER OF BUSINESS
- GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
- QUESTION TIME
- PRESENTATION OF DOCUMENTS
- MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS (BY LEAVE)
- MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
- MATTERS ACCORDED PRECEDENCE
- OTHER MATTERS THAT CAN INTERRUPT THE ORDINARY ORDER OF BUSINESS
- NEW BUSINESS RULE
-
ADJOURNMENT
- STANDING ORDERS PROVISIONS
- ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE FOR SPECIAL REASONS
- MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT OF THE MAIN COMMITTEE
-
QUORUM
-
QUORUM
- QUORUM AT TIME OF MEETING
- QUORUM DURING SITTING
- RESUMPTION OF PROCEEDINGS AFTER COUNT OUT
- QUORUM IN THE MAIN COMMITTEE
-
QUORUM
-
DIVISIONS
- DETERMINATION OF QUESTIONS ARISING
- NUMBER OF DIVISIONS
- ENTITLEMENT OF MEMBERS TO VOTE
- DIVISIONS NOT PROCEEDED WITH
- RECORDING DISSENT
- PROCEDURE DURING DIVISIONS
- SUCCESSIVE DIVISIONS
- DEFERRED DIVISIONS
- RECORD OF DIVISIONS
- PAIRS
- FREE VOTES
- PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE IN DIVISION PROCEDURE
- BALLOTING
-
CHAPTER 09 - MOTIONS
- DEFINITION OF A MOTION
-
NOTICE
- NOTICE
- MOTIONS REQUIRING NOTICE
- MOTIONS MOVED WITHOUT NOTICE
- GIVING NOTICE
- NEED FOR SECONDER
- CONTINGENT NOTICE
- ORDER ON THE NOTICE PAPER
- NOTICE DIVIDED
- AUTHORITY OF THE SPEAKER
- NOTICE ALTERED BY MEMBER
- WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF NOTICE
- RULES REGARDING SUBJECT MATTER
- SAME MOTION RULE
- PROGRESS IN HOUSE
- CONSIDERATION IN THE MAIN COMMITTEE
-
AMENDMENTS TO MOTIONS
- HOW TO MOVE
- RESTRICTIONS ON MEMBERS IN MOVING AND SPEAKING TO AMENDMENTS
- SECONDER REQUIRED
- AMENDMENT IN POSSESSION OF HOUSE
- FORM AND CONTENT OF AMENDMENT
- ORDER OF MOVING AMENDMENTS
- WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT
- AMENDMENT TO PROPOSED AMENDMENT
- PUTTING QUESTION ON AMENDMENT
- MOTIONS AGREED TO RESOLUTIONS AND ORDERS OF THE HOUSE
- MOTIONS OF NO CONFIDENCE AND CENSURE
- ADDRESSES
- MOTIONS OF CONDOLENCE
- MOTIONS OF THANKS
- MOTION TO DISCUSS MATTER OF SPECIAL INTEREST
-
MOTIONS RELATING TO THE STANDING ORDERS
- MOTIONS RELATING TO THE STANDING ORDERS
- MOTIONS TO MAKE OR AMEND STANDING OR SESSIONAL ORDERS
- LEAVE OF THE HOUSE
- MOTION TO SUSPEND STANDING OR SESSIONAL ORDERS
-
CHAPTER 10 - LEGISLATION
- CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
-
BILLSTHE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS
- BILLSTHE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS
- FORM OF BILL
- PREPARATION OF BILLSTHE EXTRA-PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS
- SYNOPSIS OF MAJOR STAGES
- CLASSIFICATION OF BILLS
-
ORDINARY BILL PROCEDURE
- ORDINARY BILL PROCEDURE
- INITIATION AND FIRST READING
-
REFERRAL TO MAIN COMMITTEE OR STANDING OR SELECT COMMITTEE
- REFERRAL TO MAIN COMMITTEE OR STANDING OR SELECT COMMITTEE
- PROCEEDINGS IN THE MAIN COMMITTEE
- ADVISORY REPORT BY STANDING OR SELECT COMMITTEE
-
SECOND READING
- SECOND READING
- MOVING AND SECOND READING SPEECH
- RESUMPTION OF DEBATE
- NATURE OF DEBATERELEVANCY
- SECOND READING AMENDMENT
- REASONED AMENDMENT IN THE MAIN COMMITTEE
- 6 MONTHS AMENDMENT
- DETERMINATION OF QUESTION FOR SECOND READING
- BILL REINTRODUCED
- BILL NOT PROCEEDED WITH
- PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING SECOND READING
- FORMER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
-
CONSIDERATION IN DETAIL
- CONSIDERATION IN DETAIL
- MOVING OF MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS
- DEBATE
- QUESTIONS PROPOSED
- INADMISSIBLE AMENDMENTS
- BILL CONSIDERED CLAUSE BY CLAUSE
- BILL CONSIDERED AS A WHOLE, OR BY PARTS
- REPORT STAGE (FOR BILLS CONSIDERED BY MAIN COMMITTEE)
- RECONSIDERATION
- THIRD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
-
ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
- PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION
- DEPUTY SPEAKERS AMENDMENTS
- CLERKS CERTIFICATE AND TRANSMISSION TO THE SENATE
-
PROCEDURAL VARIATIONS FOR PASSAGE OF BILLS
- PRIVATE MEMBERS BILLS
- CONSTITUTION ALTERATION BILLS
- SENATE BILLS
- ALL STAGES WITHOUT DELAY
- BILLS CONSIDERED TOGETHER
- COGNATE DEBATE
- BILLS DECLARED URGENT
- DIVISION OF A BILL
- LAPSED BILLS
-
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR ASSENT
- PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR ASSENT
- PREPARATION OF BILLS FOR SUBMISSION FOR ASSENT
- PRESENTATION OF FIRST BILL FOR ASSENT
- GOVERNOR-GENERALS ASSENT
- BILLS RESERVED FOR THE QUEENS ASSENT
- PRESENTATION OF CONSTITUTION ALTERATION BILLS
- AMENDMENT RECOMMENDED BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL
- ERRORS IN BILLS ASSENTED TO
- PUBLICATION OF ACTS
- PRESENTATION OF DOUBLE DISSOLUTION BILLS
-
DELEGATED LEGISLATION
- DELEGATED LEGISLATION
- LEGISLATIVE INSTRUMENTS ACT
- MAKING AND REGISTRATION OF LEGISLATIVE INSTRUMENTS
-
PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY AND CONTROL
- PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY AND CONTROL
- PRESENTATION
- DISALLOWANCE
- RECKONING OF TIME
- NOTICE TO DISALLOW BEFORE PRESENTATION
- APPROVAL
- REGULATIONS AND ORDINANCES COMMITTEE
- THE INTERPRETATION OF ACTS
-
CHAPTER 11 - FINANCIAL LEGISLATION
- INTRODUCTION
-
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
- PARLIAMENTS CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT FINANCES BY MEANS OF LEGISLATION
- THE CONSOLIDATED REVENUE FUND
- FINANCIAL INITIATIVE OF THE EXECUTIVE
- LIMITS ON THE SENATES POWERS IN RESPECT OF FINANCIAL LEGISLATION
-
BILLS CONTAINING SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
- BILLS CONTAINING SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
-
PROCEDURES PECULIAR TO SPECIAL APPROPRIATION BILLS
- INTRODUCTION
- SECOND READING AMENDMENT
- PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING SECOND READING
- MESSAGE RECOMMENDING APPROPRIATION
-
APPROPRIATION AND SUPPLY BILLS
- SUMMARY OF ANNUAL FINANCIAL LEGISLATION
- ORDINARY ANNUAL SERVICES OF THE GOVERNMENT
-
THE COMPONENTS OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET
- APPROPRIATION BILL (NO. 1)THE MAIN APPROPRIATION BILL
- APPROPRIATION BILL (NO. 2)
- APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS) BILL
- BUDGET PAPERS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
- ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION BILLS
- SUPPLY BILLS
- ADVANCE TO THE MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
- ADVANCES TO THE SPEAKER AND PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
-
TAXATION BILLS
- TAXATION BILLS
- PROCEDURES PECULIAR TO TAXATION BILLS
- CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TARIFF PROPOSALS
-
CHAPTER 12 - SENATE AMENDMENTS AND REQUESTS
-
PROCEDURE FOLLOWING SENATE CONSIDERATION
- PROCEDURE FOLLOWING SENATE CONSIDERATION
- LIMITATIONS ON SENATE POWER OF AMENDMENT
- AGREEMENT BY SENATE WITHOUT AMENDMENT (OR REQUESTS)
- SENATE AMENDMENTS
- REASONS
- SENATE REQUESTS FOR AMENDMENTS
- BILLS WHICH THE SENATE MAY AMEND, IN PARTS, AND MUST REQUEST, IN PARTS
-
SENATE AMENDMENTS WHICH, IN THE VIEW OF THE HOUSE, SHOULD BE MADE AS REQUESTS
- SENATE AMENDMENTS WHICH, IN THE VIEW OF THE HOUSE, SHOULD BE MADE AS REQUESTS
- INCREASES IN PROPOSED CHARGES OR BURDENS ON THE PEOPLE
- INQUIRIES INTO THE INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF THE 3RD PARAGRAPH OF S. 53
- AMENDMENTS REQUIRING A GOVERNOR-GENERALS MESSAGE
- VARIATION OF THE DESTINATION OF AN APPROPRIATION
- BILLS IMPOSING FEES AMOUNTING TO TAXATION
- REQUESTED AMENDMENTS MADE
- REQUESTED AMENDMENTS NOT MADE
- PRESSED REQUESTS
- DIVISION OF A HOUSE BILL BY THE SENATE
- PROCEEDINGS IN CASE OF CONTINUED DISAGREEMENT
- SENATE BILLS AMENDED BY HOUSE
-
PROCEDURE FOLLOWING SENATE CONSIDERATION
-
CHAPTER 13 - DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE HOUSES
- INTRODUCTION
- CONFERENCES
-
DOUBLE DISSOLUTION
- SECTION 57 OF THE CONSTITUTION
- THE 1914 DOUBLE DISSOLUTION
- THE 1951 DOUBLE DISSOLUTION
- THE 1974 DOUBLE DISSOLUTION
- THE 1975 DOUBLE DISSOLUTION
- SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS OF 1975
- THE 1983 DOUBLE DISSOLUTION
- THE 1987 DOUBLE DISSOLUTION
-
JOINT SITTING
- JOINT SITTING
- THE 1974 JOINT SITTING
-
CHAPTER 14 - CONTROL AND CONDUCT OF DEBATE
- INTRODUCTION
-
MANNER AND RIGHT OF SPEECH
-
WHEN MEMBERS MAY SPEAK
- WHEN MEMBERS MAY SPEAK
- MATTERS NOT OPEN TO DEBATE
- MOVER AND SECONDER OF MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS
- QUESTION ON MOTION OR AMENDMENT BEFORE THE HOUSE OR MAIN COMMITTEE
- LEAVE TO SPEAK AGAIN
- SPEAKING IN REPLY
- MISREPRESENTATION
- PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
- OTHER MATTERS BY INDULGENCE OF THE CHAIR
- STATEMENTS BY LEAVE
- ALLOCATION OF THE CALL
- MANNER OF SPEECH
-
WHEN MEMBERS MAY SPEAK
-
RULES GOVERNING CONTENT OF SPEECHES
- RELEVANCY IN DEBATE
- ANTICIPATION
- ALLUSION TO PREVIOUS DEBATE OR PROCEEDINGS
- REFERENCES TO COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
- REFERENCES TO THE SENATE AND SENATORS
- OFFENSIVE OR DISORDERLY WORDS
- REFERENCES TO AND REFLECTIONS ON MEMBERS
- REFERENCES TO THE QUEEN, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL AND STATE GOVERNORS
- REFLECTIONS ON MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY
- REFLECTIONS ON THE HOUSE AND VOTES OF THE HOUSE
- REFERENCES TO OTHER GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES
- SUB JUDICE CONVENTION
- INTERRUPTIONS TO MEMBERS SPEAKING
-
CURTAILMENT OF SPEECHES AND DEBATE
- CURTAILMENT OF SPEECHES
- ADJOURNMENT AND CURTAILMENT OF DEBATE
- POWERS OF CHAIR TO ENFORCE ORDER
-
CHAPTER 15 - QUESTIONS
- INTRODUCTION
-
RULES GOVERNING QUESTIONS
- RULES GOVERNING QUESTIONS
- QUESTIONERS
-
DIRECTION OF QUESTIONS
- TO MINISTERS
- TO PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES
- TO PRIVATE MEMBERS
- TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS, ETC
- TO THE SPEAKER
-
FORM AND CONTENT OF QUESTIONS
- TO RELATE TO MINISTERS PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- STATUTORY AUTHORITIES
- QUESTIONS TO SEEK FACTUAL INFORMATION OR PRESS FOR ACTION
- DEBATE, ARGUMENT, ETC.
- INFERENCES, ETC.
- REFERENCES TO DEBATES AND COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
- ANTICIPATION OF BUSINESS
- INFORMATION, COMMENT, ETC. IN QUESTIONS
- REFERENCES TO NEWSPAPER REPORTS, ETC.
- QUESTIONS SEEKING OPINIONS
- ANNOUNCEMENT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY
- IDENTIFICATION OF PEOPLE IN QUESTIONS
- QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CROWN
- THE SUB JUDICE CONVENTION
- LANGUAGE
- REPETITION OF QUESTIONS
- QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE SIMILAR TO QUESTION ON NOTICE PAPER
- QUESTIONS REQUIRING DETAILED RESPONSE
- PERSONAL INTEREST
- QUESTIONS IN WRITING
- ANSWERS
-
CHAPTER 16 - NON-GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
- INTRODUCTION
- PRIVATE MEMBERS MONDAYS
- CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION REPORTS
- PRIVATE MEMBERS BUSINESS
- GRIEVANCE DEBATE
- MEMBERS 90 SECOND STATEMENTS
- MEMBERS STATEMENTS IN THE MAIN COMMITTEE
- ADJOURNMENT DEBATE
-
MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
- MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
- PROPOSAL OF MATTER TO SPEAKER
- DISCRETIONARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SPEAKER
- CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING A MATTER IN ORDER
- MATTER PROPOSED WITHDRAWN
- DISCUSSION
- TERMINATION OF DISCUSSION
- SUSPENSION OF MPI PROCEDURE
-
CHAPTER 17 - DOCUMENTS
-
DOCUMENTS PRESENTED TO THE HOUSE
- DOCUMENTS PRESENTED TO THE HOUSE
-
METHOD OF PRESENTATION
- METHOD OF PRESENTATION
- TIME OF PRESENTATION
- BY THE SPEAKER
- PURSUANT TO STATUTE
- AT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE
- DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN PRESENTED
- BY LEAVE
- PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 201
- PRESENTED BY THE CLERK
- PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION REPORTS
- MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
- ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS IN RELATION TO DOCUMENTS
- DISTRIBUTION AND PRINTING OF DOCUMENTS
-
HOUSE DOCUMENTSAGENDA AND RECORD
- NOTICE PAPER
- VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
- HANSARDTHE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES
- COPYRIGHT
- PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE RELATING TO DOCUMENTS
- PUBLIC INTEREST IMMUNITY
-
PETITIONS
- PETITIONS
- PETITIONS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
-
DOCUMENTS PRESENTED TO THE HOUSE
-
CHAPTER 18 - PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
- INTRODUCTION
- AUTHORITY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES
- TYPES OF COMMITTEES
-
HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEES
- GENERAL PURPOSE STANDING COMMITTEES
- COMMITTEES CONCERNED WITH THE OPERATIONS OF THE HOUSE
- HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEES
-
JOINT COMMITTEES
- JOINT COMMITTEES
- CREATURES OF BOTH HOUSES
- JOINT COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY RESOLUTION
- JOINT STATUTORY COMMITTEES
-
APPOINTMENT AND DURATION
- COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE
- JOINT COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY RESOLUTION
- JOINT STATUTORY COMMITTEES
- AVOIDANCE OF DUPLICATION OF INQUIRIES
- EFFECTS OF DISSOLUTION AND PROROGATION ON COMMITTEES
-
MEMBERSHIP
- ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE ON COMMITTEES
- EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
- NUMBER OF MEMBERS AND PARTY COMPOSITION
- APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS
- VACANCIES
- CHAIR
- STAFF AND ADVISERS
-
POWERS OF COMMITTEES
- SOURCE OF POWER
- INVESTIGATORY POWERS OF COMMITTEES
-
CONDUCT OF INQUIRIES
- REFERRAL OF MATTERS FOR INQUIRY
-
OBTAINING EVIDENCE
- INVITATION OF SUBMISSIONS
- COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
- WITNESS IN PRISON
- ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, PROVISION OF INFORMATION
- EVIDENCE FROM COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVANTS
- EVIDENCE FROM STATE PUBLIC SERVANTS AND STATE MEMBERS
- EVIDENCE FROM MEMBERS AND SENATORS
- EVIDENCE FROM FORMER MEMBERS AND SENATORS
- EVIDENCE FROM PARLIAMENTARY STAFF
- PUBLIC INTEREST IMMUNITY
- THE GOVERNMENTS STRONG POSITION
- GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES
- COMMITTEE PRACTICE
- DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCEADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- CHARGES AGAINST MEMBERS
- SWEARING OF WITNESSES
- OFFENCES BY WITNESSES
- PROTECTION OF WITNESSES
- PAYMENT TO WITNESSES
- EVIDENCE AS TO PROCEEDINGS
-
PUBLICATION OF EVIDENCE
- AUTHORISATION FOR PUBLICATION OF EVIDENCE
- MEDIA COVERAGE
- PRIVATE OR IN CAMERA HEARINGS
- CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS
- ACCESS TO OLD EVIDENCE AND DOCUMENTS
- UNUSUAL SECRECY PROVISIONS
- UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OR PUBLICATION OF EVIDENCE
- EXPUNGING OF MATERIAL FROM EVIDENCE
-
REPORTS
- FREQUENCY OF REPORTING
- DRAFTING AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
- PROTEST OR DISSENT
- PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
- PRESENTATION OF REPORTS AND MINUTESJOINT COMMITTEES
- AMENDMENT OF PRESENTED REPORTS
- PREMATURE DISCLOSURE OR PUBLICATION
- AUTHORITY FOR RELEASE WHEN HOUSE NOT SITTING
- GOVERNMENT RESPONSES TO REPORTS
-
MEETING PROCEDURES
- MEETING PROCEDURES
- FIRST MEETING
- TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
- INSPECTIONS, ETC
- PRESENCE AT MEETINGS OF MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
- VISITORS
- PROCEDURES AT HEARINGS
- SEMINARS, INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS, PUBLIC MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS
- VIDEO AND TELECONFERENCING
- DISORDER
- MOTIONS AND VOTING
- MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
- CONFIDENTIALITY OF PROCEEDINGS AND RECORDS
- TELEVISING, FILMING AND RECORDING OF PROCEEDINGS
- SUBCOMMITTEES
- CONFERRAL WITH COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE
-
CHAPTER 19 - PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE
- PRIVILEGE DEFINED
- THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS PRIVILEGE POWERS
-
THE PRIVILEGE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH
- THE PRIVILEGE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH
- ABSOLUTE AND QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE
- PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT
- PRIVILEGE ATTACHING TO HANSARD REPORTS
-
USE OF HANSARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN COURTS OR OTHER TRIBUNALS
- USE OF HANSARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN COURTS OR OTHER TRIBUNALS
- RESTRICTION ON USE OF OR REFERENCE TO PARLIAMENTARY RECORDS
- ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PARLIAMENTARY RECORDS
- WAIVER OF PRIVILEGE BY HOUSE NOT POSSIBLE
- MATTERS ARISING WHEN HOUSE IS NOT SITTING
-
PRECEDENTS
- PRECEDENTS
- BRISBANE LINE ROYAL COMMISSION
- SANKEY LOANS AFFAIR PROSECUTION
- ORDER OF MR JUSTICE BEGG IN THE CASE OF UREN V. JOHN FAIRFAX & SONS LTD
- ROYAL COMMISSION INTO AUSTRALIAS SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES
- CASES INVOLVING MR JUSTICE MURPHY AND JUDGE FOORD
- ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE INQUIRY
- ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE INQUIRY
- CASE INVOLVING CHARGES AGAINST A MEMBER
- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
-
OTHER PRIVILEGES
- FREEDOM FROM ARREST
- EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE
- EXEMPTION FROM ATTENDANCE AS A WITNESS
-
ACTS CONSTITUTING BREACHES OF PRIVILEGE AND CONTEMPTS
- ACTS CONSTITUTING BREACHES OF PRIVILEGE AND CONTEMPTS
- MISCONDUCT
- OBSTRUCTING MEMBERS AND HOUSE EMPLOYEES IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTY
-
ATTEMPTS BY IMPROPER MEANS TO INFLUENCE MEMBERS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES
- THE OFFER OF A BENEFIT OR BRIBE
- INTIMIDATION ETC. OF MEMBERS
- OFFENCES AGAINST WITNESSES
- ACTS TENDING INDIRECTLY TO OBSTRUCT MEMBERS IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTY
- INTERFERENCE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PARLIAMENT
-
PENAL JURISDICTION OF THE HOUSE
- POWER AND SOURCE
- COMMITMENT
- IMPOSITION OF A FINE
- REPRIMAND OR ADMONISHMENT
- EXCLUSION OF PERSONS FROM PRECINCTS
- APOLOGY
- PUNISHMENT OF MEMBERS
-
MANNER OF DEALING WITH PRIVILEGE AND CONTEMPT
- RAISING OF MATTER
- COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES
- RECORDS OF THE COMMITTEE
- CITIZENS RIGHT OF REPLY
- LIMITATIONS AND SAFEGUARDS IN THE USE OF PRIVILEGE
-
APPENDICES
- APPENDIX 1
- APPENDIX 2
- APPENDIX 3
- APPENDIX 4
- APPENDIX 5
- APPENDIX 6
- APPENDIX 7
- APPENDIX 8
- APPENDIX 9
- APPENDIX 10
- APPENDIX 11
- APPENDIX 12
- APPENDIX 13
- APPENDIX 14
- APPENDIX 15
- APPENDIX 16
- APPENDIX 17
- APPENDIX 18
- APPENDIX 19
- APPENDIX 20
- APPENDIX 21
- APPENDIX 22
- APPENDIX 23
- APPENDIX 24
- APPENDIX 25
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Ch8 Order of business and the sitting day / DIVISIONS / Free votes
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Order of business and the sitting day / DIVISIONS
Free votes
Most decisions of the House are determined on party lines, but occasionally a question before the House is decided by what is termed a ‘free vote’. A free vote may occur when a party has no particular policy on a matter or when a party feels that Members should be permitted to exercise their responsibility in accordance with conscience. 1 Within the committees of the House party lines are less rigid and questions are often decided by what is, in effect, a free vote.
A free vote is a political rather than a procedural matter and is not specifically identified as such in the Votes and Proceedings nor, apart from any comments by Members during debate, in Hansard. Items of business described in debate as being subject to a free vote may not necessarily be formally voted on at all, perhaps being carried without division. 2 Even though a party may allow a free vote of its Members on a particular issue the vote may, in fact, follow party lines substantially or completely. 3
Free votes have been held on questions pertaining to the Parliament itself, such as questions arising out of reports of the Privileges Committee and the Procedure Committee. They are also occasionally held on social issues where the vote is governed by conscience.
Other examples of a free vote have been:
1955—Browne and Fitzpatrick case. 4
- New and Permanent Parliament House
Motions as to site—1968, 5 1973; 6
Parliament Bill 1974 (private Member’s bill). 7
- Standing Orders Committee or Procedure Committee reports and related matters
Reports dated: 10 June 1970, 8 19 August 1971, 9 20 March 1972; 10
House of Representatives (Quorum of Members) Bill 1970; 11
Motion endorsing Procedure Committee recommendation to alter quorum of the House, 1987. 12
Medical Practice Clarification Bill 1973; 13
Euthanasia Laws Bill 1996; 14
Sexual relationships—Social educational and legal aspects—Proposed Royal Commission (motion); 15
Homosexual acts and the criminal law (motion); 16
Termination of pregnancy—Medical benefits (motion); 17
Fluoridation of Canberra water supply (motion). 18
- Others
Matrimonial Causes Bill 1959; 19
Death Penalty Abolition Bill 1973 (Senate bill); 20
Family Law Bill 1974 (Senate bill); 21
Family Law Amendment Bill 1983 (Senate bill); 22
Sex Discrimination Bill 1984 (Senate bill); 23
Constitution Alteration (Establishment of Republic ) Bill 1999; 24
Research Involving Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill 2002. 25
E.g. VP 1985-87/1627 (Parliamentary Privileges Bill 1987); VP 1987-89/1732 (Family Law Amendment Bill 1989).
VP 1954-55/270-1. Leader of the Opposition Evatt informed the House that the matter of privilege in the Browne and Fitzpatrick case did not involve party consideration and that on no occasion had a question of privilege been discussed at a party meeting by Australian Labor Party Members, H.R. Deb. (10.6.55) 1630.
VP 1974-75/198, 199, 199-200, 200.
VP 1996-98/998-1003 (on the subject of the bill, not on the procedural questions relating to it).
VP 1959-60/261 (2), 264-5, 265, 265-6.
VP 1974-75/384 (and on subsequent divisions during proceedings on the bill).
H.R.Deb (27.6.2002) 4541-4; VP 2002-04/305. Free votes also on the division of the bill and subsequent proceedings on the resultant bills, Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill 2002 and the Research Involving Embryos Bill 2002.