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Ch13 Disagreements between the Houses / JOINT SITTING



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House of Representatives                                Ch 13                                                 p 472

 

Disagreements between the Houses

 

Joint sitting

After a double dissolution has been granted, elections are held for both Houses. In the new Parliament the House of Representatives may again pass the proposed law which was the subject of the double dissolution with or without any amendments which have been made, suggested or agreed to by the Senate. If the Senate rejects the proposed law, passes it with amendments to which the House will not agree or fails to pass it, the Governor-General may convene a joint sitting of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 1

When a joint sitting is held Members and Senators deliberate and vote together on the proposed law in the form it was last proposed by the House of Representatives. Any amendments which have been made by one House and not agreed to by the other are considered and if affirmed by an absolute majority of the total members of both Houses, are taken to have been carried. 2 The proposed law as a whole is voted on by all members of both Houses and if it is affirmed by an absolute majority then it shall be taken to have been duly passed by both Houses of Parliament and is presented to the Governor-General for assent. 3



Constitution, s. 57.



In respect of the 1974 joint sitting; bills were not amended by either House prior to the joint sitting.



Constitution, s. 57.