Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Today in Parliament Legislative Council

Today in the Council

The sitting starts at 9.30 am

Expected order of business
Formal business
Members' statements
General business
Question time at 12.00 noon
General business continues
Statements on papers and petitions
Petitions qualifying for debate
Government business
Adjournment debate

At 6.20 pm the Council will suspend for a joint sitting.

Progressive minutes will be published at approximately 11.30 am

General business expected to be debated today

Notice of motion No. 705, standing in Ms Purcell's name on production of documents relating to the unprotection of dingoes Order in Council.

Notice of motion No. 541, standing in Mr Ettershank's name on bus networks.

Notice of motion No. 704, standing in Ms Crozier's name referring an inquiry to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.

Notice of motion No. 498, standing in Ms Crozier's name on health funding.

Notice of motion No. 600, standing in Mr Bourman's name on deer hunting.

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.

Government business

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

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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