5.1 Definition of motion
A motion is a form of words proposed by a Member which, if agreed to, becomes an order or resolution of the Legislative Assembly.
Motions may be classified as either: independent and substantive on the one hand or dependant and subsidiary on the other. Substantive motions are self - contained and express a decision or opinion of the Legislative Assembly. A condolence motion or a direct motion of no confidence would fall into this category. Subsidiary motions are mainly procedural in character and are dependent on something else, such as an Order of the Day. A motion that a Bill be now read a second or third time; or a motion for the adjournment of the debate; are both subsidiary motions. The determination as to whether a motion is substantive is important, because this question often determines whether notice is required. The general rule in the Legislative Assembly is that a substantive motion is moved on notice and subsidiary motions are moved without notice.
Subsidiary motions that may be moved without notice include the following:
- adjournment of the House;
- adjournment of the debate;
- "That the Chair do leave the Chair and report progress";
- closure of debate;
- postponement of an Order of the Day;
- discharge of Order of the Day;
- motions on all the stages of a Bill;
- printing of papers;
- suspension of member after naming;
- House pass to some other business; and
- amendment of any question before the Chair.
Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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