Law Making In Parliament

Front 1

What is required for legislation to be seen as 'legitimate'?

Back 1

1) Allow for wide-ranging input

2) Be part of the mandate of a popularly elected government, or arise from awidely debated current issue

3) Be subject to effective scrutiny in its passage through parliament

Front 2

What are the steps in the passage of legislation?

Back 2

1)First reading

2) Second reading

3) Consideration in detail stage

4) Third reading

5) Transmission to other House

6) Assent and proclamation

Front 3

What influence do political parties have on the law-making process?

Back 3

- Arguably the most significant influence – mostvoters choose between the two major parties

- Party disloyalty is ill-advised which meanshaving a majority in the lower house (by default the requirement forgovernment) essentially allows them to get any bill halfway to official

- Government can use parliamentary processes tolimit dissent and speed up the passage of a bill

- The House’s Standing Orders set time limits forall parliamentary speeches

Front 4

What does Section 7 outline?

Back 4

Senatemembers are to be directly chosen by the people. There shall be an equal numberof Senators for each original State. Senators are chosen for a term of 6 yearsand their names certified to the Governor-General.

Front 5

What does Section 24 outline?

Back 5

Houseof Reps are to be directly chosen by the people, and that House to have twicethe membership of the Senate (nexus clause). Seat numbers are based onpopulation but no original State has less than 5.

Front 6

What does Section 51 outline?

Back 6

TheParliament shall have power to make laws with respect to… (outlines exclusivepowers of the Commonwealth)

Front 7

What does Section 53 outline?

Back 7

TheSenate may not originate any law that imposes tax or raises revenue, nor amendany proposed laws to impose tax or raise revenue (no money bills). Except forthe above provisions, the Senate is equal to the House of Reps.

Front 8

What is the role/influence of the Opposition in the law making process?

Back 8

Hasto act as a ‘devil’s advocate’, highlighting the weaknesses of the governmentand providing alternative policies.

The Opposition can use some techniques inparliament to harass and embarrass the government.

Moving Points of Order: Calling attention to claimed breaches ofStanding Orders, creating an opportunity to criticize a bill.

Divisions: Demanding a formal count of the vote that requires all MHRsto return to the chamber, slowing proceedings.

Quorum: Calling for Members in the House to be counted (technically atleast 1/3 must be present and debate must be suspended until this level isre-established)

Front 9

What influence do pressure groups have on the law-making process?

Back 9

Oneway is through the assistance of lobbyists – individuals experienced in theoperations of the public service, party management or political journalism, whocan provide inside knowledge or access to the political process for those whowish to influence government decisions.