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Ch7 The parliamentary calendar / A PARLIAMENT / Proceedings on opening day



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House of Representatives                                Ch 7                                                 p 214

 

The parliamentary calendar / A PARLIAMENT

 

Proceedings on opening day

The proceedings on the meeting of a new Parliament are characterised by a combination of the traditional and ceremonial elements of parliamentary custom and practice which is reflected in part by the standing orders.

These standing orders 1 reflect two principles of parliamentary custom:

  • that the House is not properly constituted until it has elected its Speaker, which is its first action as a House; and
  • that the House does not proceed to the despatch of business until the Speaker has been presented to, and it has heard the speech of, the Governor-General. 2
  • The Sovereign may declare in person the causes of the calling together of a new Parliament but this has not occurred to date ( but see p.  225 ). 3



    S.O. 4 determines the procedure on the meeting of a new Parliament; S.O.s 5-6 determine the procedure on opening day in relation to the Governor-General’s speech.



    H.R. Deb. (23.10.34) 30-1; S.O. 4(h).



    S.O. 9(a). This may also be carried out by the Administrator (S.O. 2), VP 1961/1; or Deputies of the Governor-General (S.O. 9(b)).