Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Today in Parliament Legislative Council

Today's resources

General business expected to be debated today

Second reading of the Equal Opportunity Amendment (Medical Treatment) Bill 2026.

Ms Purcell's motion No. 1348 seeking documents relating to research on primates by Monash University.

Ms Crozier's motion No. 1349 seeking documents relating to pharmacy provision of oral contraceptives.

Mrs McArthur's motion No. 1303 on Victorian small businesses.

Resumption of debate on the second reading of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Amendment (Follow the Money) Bill 2026.

Dr Heath's motion No. 1351 on crime.

Dr Mansfield's motion No. 1336 on cohealth funding. 

Start of the sitting day

The President begins the day by reading the Lord's Prayer and making an Acknowledgement of Country. The President reads any messages received from the Governor and the Legislative Assembly. 

Formal business

During formal business the Council deals with administrative issues. These include introducing bills, tabling petitions and reports and giving notices of motions (proposals) for later debate. 

Members' statements

Members make statements on any topic. 

This debate lasts for around 15 to 20 minutes. 

General business

Debates on matters which non-government members have introduced to Parliament. These can include bills (proposed laws) and motions (other proposals). 

Question time

Question time allows non-government members to ask questions, usually to ministers, about the Government's decisions and actions. These questions are called questions without notice, because ministers have not seen them beforehand. Question time happens every sitting day. 

If the minister’s answer is not responsive, the President may order the minister to provide a written answer.

Ministers may also make ministers’ statements during question time. 

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Constituency questions

Members ask questions which relate to their own electorate. Ministers respond later in writing. 

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General business (continues)

Debates on matters which non-government members have introduced to Parliament. These can include bills (proposed laws) and motions (other proposals). 

Statements on reports, papers & petitions (5.15 pm)

Members make statements on any report, paper or petition tabled in the Council in the current parliament.  

Search the tabled documents database and the e-petitions page.

Petitions (qualifying for debate)

A petition that has qualified for debate may be considered (for up to 30 minutes). 

Government business

Debates on matters which ministers have introduced to Parliament. These can include bills (proposed laws) and motions (other proposals). 

This debate lasts for up to 1 hour. 

Adjournment debate

At the end of the sitting day, the President stops debate. Unless a minister decides or members vote to continue the sitting, the adjournment debate will begin. Members can raise matters with ministers.

The topics are wide ranging, but members must request ministers take action in areas of government responsibility. Ministers can respond after all matters have been raised or later, in writing.

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