4.2 Timing of the introduction of a Bill

There is an administrative process associated with the introduction of a government Bill into the Legislative Assembly. Cabinet authorises the introduction of the Bill after considering an Authority to Introduce a Bill submission. Members of the Legislative Assembly belonging to the party or parties constituting the government of the day consider the introduction of the Bill before it is introduced. The Leader of the House, after consultation with the relevant Minister, authorises supply of the Bill, and indicates when the Bill is to be introduced into the Legislative Assembly. The relevant government department also advises OQPC that the Bill may be printed and copies supplied to the staff of the Table Office of Parliament House in readiness for introduction. It is this combination of administrative processes that authorises the supply of the Bill to the House.

OQPC is the agency that arranges for Goprint to print the Bill and supply it to the House. OQPC is electronically linked to Goprint and Parliament House. An electronic copy of the Bill is simultaneously supplied to Goprint for printing and to the Table Office of Parliament House.

If the sponsoring department anticipates a large demand for a Bill, it should advise Goprint to ensure sufficient copies are printed to meet the demand. When the Bill is printed, Goprint delivers copies of the Bill to the departmental instructing officer in accordance with details supplied by OQPC.

The timing of introduction of Bills is a matter for the Leader of the House. Bills are usually introduced soon after they receive the approval of Cabinet and government members, unless the Legislative Assembly is not sitting or there is a delay because further drafting or consultation is required.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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