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Odgers' Australian Senate Practice Thirteenth Edition

Chapter 10 - Debate

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Contents

Before the Senate makes decisions by means of resolutions and orders which begin as motions, that is, propositions submitted to the Senate by senators and accepted by the chair as questions to be put to the Senate,1 the Senate usually debates those questions. Debate fulfils one of the primary functions of the Senate, that of informing itself and the public by deliberation before decisions are made.

Motions debatable

Right to speak

Time limits on debates and speeches

Reading of speeches

Quotation of documents

Personal explanations and explanations of speeches

Relevance

Anticipation rule

References to committees

Sub judice convention

Discussion of court decisions

Rules of debate