Progress of a Bill through Parliament

Question 1

First Reading:

Answer 1

1. Member gives notice of intention to present a bill
2. Reads title of Bill and moves that ‘the bill be now read a first time’
3. No discussion or debate

Question 2

Second Reading:

Answer 2

1. Member must table a statement of compatibility which outlines how the bill complies with human rights
2. Delivers a second reading speech which outlines the purpose of the Bill
3. Debate commences
4. Members vote

Question 3

Statement of Compatibility in Vic Parliament:

Answer 3

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Question 4

Statement of Compatibility in Commonwealth:

Answer 4

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Question 5

Committee Stage:

Answer 5

1. May be eliminated if house unanimously agrees on Bill
2. Speaker/ President leaves
3. Each clause discussed in detail
4. Amendments are most likely made at this stage
5. Speaker / President returns and asks House to ‘accept’ the committee’s report

Question 6

Committee Stage called in Legislative Assembly:

Answer 6

Consideration in Detail

Question 7

Committee Stage called in Legislative Council:

Answer 7

Committee of the Whole

Question 8

Committee Stage called in HoR:

Answer 8

House Committee followed by consideration in detail

Question 9

Committee Stage called in the Senate:

Answer 9

Senate Committee followed by consideration in detail

Question 10

Third Reading:

Answer 10

1. Title of Bill read
2. Last opportunity of debate
3. Bill voted on its final form, i.e House formally accepts or rejects the bill

Question 11

Royal Assent:

Answer 11

Royal Assent occurs when Bill has successfully passed both houses and thus the Queen’s Representative grants their approval of the bill. Once a Bill has received royal assent it becomes an Act of Parliament.

Question 12

Proclamation:

Answer 12

After Royal Assent, an Act comes into operation on:
A day stated in the Act
On a day proclaimed by the G-G
28 days after Royal Assent