6.1 Definition

An amendment is an alteration proposed or made to a motion or Bill. It must take the form of a proposal to either insert certain words in the motion or Bill, or to omit certain words and/or to substitute other words.

It is permissible by way of amendment to move to leave out all the words of a motion except the initial word, usually "That" and substitute other words to give the motion an alternative but relevant proposition. It is important that the new words are relevant and propose an alternative proposition and that the amendment is not a direct negative.

An amendment may be moved to a motion at any time after the question has been proposed from the Chair and before it is put. Any Member who receives the call (called by the Speaker to speak) may move an amendment. Amendments may be proposed to amendments.

A Member who wishes to move an amendment must obtain the call. Even though the Member may have given notice of an amendment, the Speaker will not call upon them to speak unless they rise. Nor will the Speaker necessarily call on them in preference to any other Member who rises to speak at the same time.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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