Sessional Orders of the Legislative Assembly

Sessional orders were adopted by the House on 19 December 2006 and amended on 5 December 2007.

1 Days and Times of Meeting

Unless otherwise ordered, the House will meet each Tuesday at 2.00 pm, and each Wednesday and Thursday at 9.30 am.

2 Act Titles

(1) The Clerk of the Parliaments must alter the title appearing before the enacting words (or, if there is a preamble, before the preamble) in a bill that is to be presented to the Governor for royal assent, by substituting the word ‘Act’ for the word ‘Bill’.

(2) The alteration of a bill to give effect to paragraph (1) is not to be taken to be an amendment of the bill.

3 Incorporation of Statements of Compatibility

A statement of compatibility tabled under s 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 will be incorporated in Hansard, without leave being required.

4 Annual Statement of Government Intentions

So much of standing orders be suspended so as to allow:

(1)   The Premier to make a Statement of Government Intentions immediately after the Prayer on the first sitting day of each year.

(2)   No time limit to apply to the length of the Premier’s Statement.

(3)   Council members be permitted to attend the Legislative Assembly Chamber to hear the Statement.

(4)   Prior to each day on which a Statement is to be made, the Speaker to confirm to the President the date and approximate timing of the Statement.

(5)   The lower public gallery on the Opposition side of the House be deemed to be part of the Legislative Assembly Chamber for the duration of the Statement to provide additional accommodation for members of the Legislative Council.

(6)   At the conclusion of the Statement the members of the Legislative Council will retire to their Chamber.

(7)   Responses to the Statement to be listed under Government Business for the next sitting day.

(8)   Responses may be made by:

(a)   the Leader of the Opposition for a time limited to the time taken by the Premier in making the Statement;

(b)   the Leader of The Nationals for 20 minutes;

(c)   any other member for 10 minutes.

(9)    Condolences under SO 42 will not take place on the first sitting day of each year but may, at the discretion of the Government, be given precedence on any other sitting day of that week.