4.3 Prorogation and its effects

Prorogation is an exercise of the royal prerogative. The decision to prorogue in Queensland rests with the Governor acting on the advice of the Government.

Prorogation has the following effects on the Legislative Assembly:

1. All proceedings come to an end, that is, all business (except disallowance motions) on the Notice Paper lapses. Provision, however, does exist for the resumption in a new session, of proceedings on Bills that have lapsed because of a prorogation of the Parliament.
2. Any Sessional Orders cease to have effect.
3. The House may not meet again until the date nominated in the proclamation of prorogation.
4. The status of Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly but which have not received Assent is uncertain. Therefore, Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly during a session should receive Royal Assent prior to prorogation.
5. Select committees appointed by resolution of the House and whose terms of reference do not otherwise provide cease to exist. Committees appointed by resolution of the House for the life of the Parliament and committees appointed pursuant to the Standing Orders continue to exist but cannot meet unless expressly authorised to do so by statute, Standing Orders or resolution. Committees appointed under the Standing Orders of the House (and by statute) are appointed at the commencement of each Parliament, for the life of each Parliament. These committees continue in existence notwithstanding prorogation.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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