In just over 6 months, the 47th Parliament has established close to 70 committees and tabled more than 70 reports across the Senate and House of Representatives committees. However, once a committee tables a report with recommendations, what’s next? This question was raised 50 years ago and led to a resolution requiring the Government to respond to Senate committees’ recommendations, as will be discussed in this Flagpost article. Read more...
Observe Senate Estimates (Estimates) and you will quickly become familiar with the phrase ‘on notice’. Up to three times a year the Senate Legislation Committees hold Estimates hearings to examine the particulars of proposed or revised expenditure of departments and agencies. At these hearings senators can question the responsible Minister and senior officials from the departments and agencies. This Flagpost article examines the development of Estimates committees’ questions on notice (QoNs) and what lessons can be learnt as the Estimates hearings commence in the 47th parliament. Read more...
There are currently 270 House Standing Orders and 210 in the Senate. These Standing Orders are rules which govern the operation and conduct of House and Senate business, as provided for in The Constitution (section 50). House Practice and Senate Odgers set out that ‘Standing Orders are made and amended via a motion moved on notice in the usual way’ or ‘ordinary way’ respectively. It’s become the custom of incoming governments to review Standing Orders in the new parliament. This review started in the first sitting week of the 47th Parliament, as explained in the previous Flagpost article Sitting times and Standing Orders: recent changes in the House. The Ho... Read more...
Following the 21 May 2022 federal election, the newly appointed Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, stated that the new Parliament would first meet on 26 July 2022—106 days after the previous Parliament was dissolved. The opening of a new Parliament proceeds according to constitutional requirements, House of Representatives and Senate standing orders and resolutions, and long-standing ceremonial practices. This Flagpost article outlines and contextualises these aspects prior to the new parliament opening later this month. Read more...
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