1.1 Definition of Parliament

Queensland is unique amongst the Australian States in that it has a unicameral Parliament. That is, it only has one House of Parliament - the Legislative Assembly. All other Australian States have bicameral Parliaments, meaning they have two Houses of Parliament - a Lower House (Legislative Assembly or House of Assembly) and an Upper House (a Legislative Council). Queensland's Legislative Council was abolished in 1922 and cannot be reintroduced without the support of the Queensland voters at a State referendum.

The term "Parliament" is often used to describe the Legislative Assembly. However, at law in Queensland the term "Parliament" comprises the Legislative Assembly and the Sovereign - the Sovereign's representative being the Governor. The law-making power of the State resides in Parliament, meaning the Legislative Assembly and the Sovereign acting together.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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