4.6 Second reading speech

After presentation of the Bill and its formal first reading, copies of the Bill and accompanying explanatory notes are circulated to members in the Chamber. The Minister then moves that the Bill be read a second time. The Minister immediately speaks to the motion, giving the second reading speech for the Bill. Generally, the second reading speech summarises the main provisions of the Bill, but avoids detailed exposition of clauses unless the Bill is very short. At the conclusion of the speech, debate on the motion is adjourned. Unless the Legislative Assembly suspends standing and sessional orders, it will not deal with the Bill until after thirteen whole calendar days have elapsed. The thirteen calendar days is a minimum time only, and in some cases it can be several months before debate on the Bill is scheduled.

It is sometimes necessary for the Minister to table an erratum to the explanatory notes presented with a Bill to correct an error or other inaccuracy. For this purpose, the Table Office of Parliament House is supplied with the copies of the erratum document in accordance with its requirements. After the document is tabled, either the Table Office or Goprint supplies OQPC with an electronic version for publication on its website. The supply of supplementary explanatory notes to accompany amendments during consideration in detail is separately considered in Chapter 4.8.

Again, important detail about requirements for the second reading speech and related procedures are set out in The Queensland Parliamentary Procedures Handbook.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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