Chapter 8 References

[1] S.O. 2.

[2] Or when the Clerk announces the absence of the Speaker, VP 1920–21/537 (25.5.1921).

[3] VP 1913/63 (19.9.1913)—the record shows that the House met and was declared adjourned after 5 minutes.

[4] Advice of Attorney-General’s Department, dated 24 April 1970.

[5] For more details see Ch. on ‘Legislation’.

[6] See Ch. on ‘Documents’.

[7] Odgers, 14th edn, p. 202, notes in relation to a sitting of the Senate extending over more than one day, departments responsible for forwarding delegated legislation for tabling have been advised that to avoid any doubts they should assume that the days to which sittings are suspended are separate sitting days for the purposes of statutory tabling requirements.

[8] VP 1934–37/253–7 (11.4.1935); NP 38 (11.4.1935); H.R. Deb. (11.4.1935) 1270–1.

[9] VP 1940–43/377, 379 (2.9.1942).

[10] VP 1964–66/325–38 (24.5.1965), 339 (26.5.1965); NP 91 (26.5.1965); see also VP 1937/49–55 (28–29.6.1937); H.R. Deb. (28–29.6.1937) 637; H.R. Deb. (29.6.1937) 674; NP 7 (29.6.1937).

[11] VP 1926–28/509 (14.3.1928); H.R. Deb. (14.3.1928) 3791. A sitting of nil duration was recorded on the only occasion the House has adjourned because of a lack of quorum at the time of meeting, VP 1913/63 (19.9.1913)—see page 271.

[12] VP 2002–04/535 (24.10.2002).

[13] VP 1917–19/169–72 (18.1.1918).

[14] VP 1905/167–70 (16.11.1905).

[15] H.R. Deb. (6–8.12.1933) 5898.

[16] Should any such Territories be represented in the Senate. The provision previously applied in relation to the ACT—joint sittings to select Senators for the ACT were held on 5 May 1981, J 1980–81/227 (5.5.1981) and 16 February 1988, J 1987–90/477–8 (16.2.1988).

[17] For conferences of delegates representing the two Houses to resolve disagreements over legislation see Ch. on ‘Senate amendments and requests’.

[18] VP 1903/141–2 (22.9.1903), 146 (23.9.1903).

[19] J 1903/189 (30.9.1903).

[20] J 1968–69/490 (28.5.1969).

[21] J 1968–69/495–6 (29.5.1969).

[22] J 1970–72/574–5 (6.5.1971).

[23] VP 1970–72/631 (6.5.1971).

[24] VP 1973–74/289–90 (23.8.1973).

[25] VP 1973–74/476 (24.10.1973).

[26] VP 1973–74/545 (20.11.1973). Odgers notes Senate concerns that in conferences or joint meetings of this kind to resolve a matter in dispute, because of the disparity in numbers between the two Houses, the Senate could be over-ridden, and that such proceedings would compromise the authority and independence of the Senate, Odgers, 6th edn, p. 897.

[27] VP 1929–31/621 (14.5.1931); H.R. Deb. (14.5.1931) 1935.

[28] H.R. Deb. (21.5.1931) 2179.

[29] VP 1998–2001/2259–60 (9.5.2001).

[30] Joint meetings: President G. Bush, USA, 2 Jan. 1992 (VP 1990–92/1305, J 1990–92/1995); President W. Clinton, USA, 20 Nov. 1996 (VP 1996–98/841, J 1996–98/1058); President G. W. Bush, USA, 23 Oct. 2003 (VP 2002–04/1275, J 2002–04/2597); President Hu Jintao, China, 24 Oct. 2003 (VP 2002–04/1279, J 2002–04/2599). Sittings of House, Senators invited as guests: Prime Minister T. Blair, UK, 27 Mar. 2006 (VP 2004–07/1015); Prime Minister S. Harper, Canada, 11 Sep. 2007 (VP 2004–07/2093); President S. B. Yudhoyono, Indonesia, 10 Mar. 2010 (VP 2008–10/1674); Prime Minister J. Key, New Zealand, 20 June 2011 (VP 2010–13/663); President B. Obama, USA, 17 Nov. 2011 (VP 2010–13/1057); Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore, 12 Oct. 2016 (VP 2016–18/199).

[31] The first occasion in 1992 reciprocated the address of Prime Minister Hawke to a joint meeting of Congress on 23 June 1988. The US practice is that the two houses of Congress, by resolution or by unanimous consent, declare themselves in recess for a joint gathering in the House Chamber.

[32] VP 1990–92/1220–1 (27.11.1991), 1233 (28.11.1991); VP 1996–98/702 (17.10.1996), 742 (30.10.1996), 792 (6.11.1996), 806 (7.11.1996); VP 2002–04/1213–5 (8.10.2003), 1244 (13.10.2003).

[33] Thus preventing their attendance at the joint meeting the following day. VP 2002–04/1276 (23.10.2003); J 2002–04/2597 (23.10.2003).

[34] J 2002–04/3377–8 (11.5.2004). Senate Procedure Committee, Joint meetings to receive addresses by foreign heads of state, December 2003. see also Senate Committee of Privileges, Joint meeting of the Senate and the House of Representatives on 23 and 24 October 2003, April 2004; and Odgers, 14th edn, p. 184.

[35] Standing Committee on Procedure, Arrangements for joint meetings with the Senate, June 2004.

[36] National Security (Supplementary) Regulations, SR 78 of 1942.

[37] In current standing orders referred to as ‘visitors’.

[38] VP 1940–43/72 (12.12.1940); H.R. Deb. (12–13.12.1940) 1054.

[39] VP 1940–43/123 (29.5.1941), 166 (20.8.1941).

[40] VP 1940–43/275 (20.2.1942), 393 (3.9.1942), 441 (8.10.1942). The meeting of 4 September was a continuation of that of 3 September.

[41] S.O. 11(l).

[42] S.O. 4(h); and see Ch. on ‘The parliamentary calendar’.

[43] VP 1946–48/5 (6.11.1946).

[44] S.O. 4(j); and see Ch. on ‘The parliamentary calendar’.

[45] E.g. VP 1985–87/1273 (23.10.1986).

[46] S.O. 95.

[47] VP 1917–19/453 (4.7.1919).

[48] VP 1954–55/184 (3.5.1955).

[49] VP 1970–72/76 (8.4.1970).

[50] H.R. Deb. (3.5.1955) 362; VP 1954–55/184 (3.5.1955). Current practice is for the Mace to be left in the Chamber during a short suspension and removed during an overnight suspension.

[51] VP 1970–72/209 (11.6.1970), 691–2 (7.9.1971); VP 2016–18/419 (30.11.2016).

[52] VP 1909/135 (28.9.1909).

[53] VP 1978–80/323 (8.6.1978).

[54] VP 1976–77/598 (17.2.1977); H.R. Deb. (17.2.1977) 245; VP 1985–87/1258 (22.10.1986); H.R. Deb. (22.10.1986) 2538, 2561; H.R. Deb. (25.3.1985) 849.

[55] VP 1912/227 (13.11.1912); H.R. Deb. (13.11.1912) 5500–8.

[56] H.R. Deb. (12.7.1917) 133–4.

[57] VP 1929–31/477 (17.12.1930); H.R. Deb. (17.12.1930) 1639–40; VP 1929–31/492 (17.3.1931); H.R. Deb. (17.3.1931) 276–81.

[58] Past practice in regard to meal breaks is described at pages 281–2 of the second edition.

[59] E.g. H.R. Deb. (9.5.1995) 67; H.R. Deb. (13.5.2008) 2600.

[60] E.g. H.R. Deb. (11.5.1995) 400; H.R. Deb. (15.5.2008) 2997.

[61] E.g. H.R Deb. (30.3.1995) 2614; H.R. Deb. (23.6.2005) 139.

[62] E.g. VP 1996–98/3202 (2.7.1998); VP 2008–10/981 (19.3.2009).

[63] H.R. Deb. (11–12.2.1943) 615.

[64] H.R. Deb. (16.11.1905) 5386.

[65] VP 1937–40/128 (10.6.1938); VP 1993–96/1717 (8.12.1994).

[66] VP 1956–57/359 (31.10.1956).

[67] VP 1905/168 (16.11.1905); H.R. Deb. (16.11.1905) 5425; VP 1925/97 (28.8.1925); H.R. Deb. (28–29.8.1925) 1964.

[68] VP 1917–19/171 (18.1.1918); H.R. Deb. (18.1.1918) 3295.

[69] But see VP 1973–74/458 (18.10.1973).

[70] E.g. VP 1978–80/9 (21.2.1978); VP 1998–2001/12 (10.11.1998); VP 2008–10/9 (12.2.2008).

[71] E.g. VP 1993–96/111 (26.5.1993); VP 1998–2001/216, 220 (9.12.1998);VP 2008–10/389 (17.6.2008).

[72] VP 1977/235 (23.8.1977); VP 1980–83/78 (24.2.1981); VP 1998–2001/1531 (19.6.2000).

[73] VP 1976–77/598 (17.2.1977); H.R. Deb. (17.2.1977) 245; VP 1985–87/1258 (22.10.1986); H.R. Deb. (22.10.1986) 2538, 2561.

[74] H.R. Deb. (25.3.1985) 849.

[75] VP 1914–17/417 (12.11.1915); H.R. Deb. (12.11.1915) 7661.

[76] VP 1976–77/391 (13.10.1976).

[77] H.R. Deb. (8.6.1955) 1513.

[78] E.g. VP 1968–69/317 (21.11.1968); VP 1987–90/1011 (21.12.1988); VP 1993–96/662 (21.12.1993) (suspended overnight); VP 2010–13/263 (25.11.2010) (from Thursday until the following Monday).

[79] VP 1929–31/144 (30.4.1930).

[80] VP 1954–55/269 (10.6.1955); H.R. Deb. (10.6.1955) 1627.

[81] VP 1940–43/123 (29.5.1941).

[82] VP 1940–43/275 (20.2.1942).

[83] VP 1940–43/41 (5.12.1940); H.R. Deb. (5.12.1940) 476–7.

[84] E.g. H.R. Deb. (6.11.1973) 2808; VP 1998–2001/1865 (7.11.2000); VP 2004–07/703 (1.11.2005).

[85] VP 1926–28/407 (10.11.1927); VP 2002–04/1270 (16.10.2003) (ceremony to commemorate anniversary of bombing tragedy); VP 2013–16/1707 (11.11.2015).

[86] VP 1973–74/52 (15.3.1973).

[87] VP 1974–75/25–6 (11.7.1974).

[88] VP 1998–2001/2595 (17.9.2001).

[89] VP 1990–92/1877, 1878 (11.11.1992).

[90] VP 1998–2001/191 (8.12.1998) (suspension from 2.31 pm until 3 pm—the Speaker announced that the action was taken with the agreement of both the Government and the Opposition).

[91] VP 1974–75/1125–7 (11.11.1975).

[92] VP 2010–13/367 (1.3.2011).

[93] S.O. 29.

[94] S.O. 30; see Ch. on ‘The parliamentary calendar’.

[95] For a full description of the Notice Paper see Ch. on ‘Documents’.

[96] S.O. 45(a).

[97] The Daily Program was first produced in 1950 and is also commonly known as the ‘Blue Program’ because of its distinctive colour.

[98] For example, bills may be introduced although not listed on the program—e.g. tax bills, VP 2013–16/457–8 (13.5.2014).

[99] See ‘Days and hours of meeting’ in Ch. on ‘The parliamentary calendar’.

[100] S.O. 30. see also Ch. on ‘The parliamentary calendar’, and ‘Discretionary powers’ in the Ch. on ‘The Speaker, Deputy Speaker and officers’.

[101] See 4th edn, pp. 245–6.

[102] VP 1923–24/156–7 (16.8.1923); H.R. Deb. (16.8.1923) 2938–40.

[103] The acknowledgement of country was introduced in 2010 (43rd Parliament).

[104] S.O. 38. At the direction of Speaker Makin the Votes and Proceedings entry was altered from ‘read Prayers’ to ‘offered Prayers’ in 1930, VP 1929–31/109 (25.3.1930), but reverted to the former style at the direction of Speaker Mackay in 1932, VP 1932–34/11 (18.2.1932).

[105] VP 1956–57/259 (29.8.1956); VP 1985–86/665 (11.2.1986); VP 1987–90/1417 (29.8.1989); VP 1996–98/2753 (4.3.1998).

[106] VP 1934–37/257 (11.4.1935); VP 1940–43/379 (2.9.1942).

[107] VP 1905/169 (16.11.1905); H.R. Deb. (16.11.1905) 5425; VP 1993–96/1717 (8.12.1994); H.R. Deb. (8.12.1994) 4449; VP 1996–98/355 (27.6.1996), 2655 (4.12.1997); VP 2008–10/981 (19.3.2009); but see case of 17 August 1923 when Speaker Watt read prayers even though the House had not adjourned the previous evening, VP 1923–24/159 (17.8.1923); H.R. Deb. (17.8.1923) 2964–5.

[108] VP 1901–02/41 (7.6.1901); H.R. Deb. (7.6.1901) 815–2; VP 1901–02/59 (13.6.1901); H.R. Deb. (13.6.1901) 1077.

[109] VP 1917–19/241 (29.5.1918).

[110] Standing Orders Committee, Report, PP 20 (1972) 13.

[111] S.O. 34. The order of business listed above is that adopted in the 45th Parliament in force from September 2016. If the House meets for some special purpose the ordinary order of business may not be commenced. see VP 1920–21/187 (27.5.1920); H.R. Deb. (27.5.1920) 2452.

[112] E.g. VP 1996–98/792 (6.11.1996); VP 2002–04/1549 (30.3.2004).

[113] E.g. VP 1993–96/649 (17.12.1993) (Saturday sitting); VP 2002–04/689 (4.2.2004).

[114] E.g. VP 2002–04/623 (9.12.2002); VP 2010–13/174 (15.11.2010).

[115] VP 2002–04/969 (18.6.2003); H.R. Deb. (18.6.2003) 16769–70. For an acceptable form of motion later in the sitting see VP 2002–04/973 (18.6.2003).

[116] E.g. VP 2002–04/1390 (4.12.2003).

[117] S.O. 2.

[118] S.O.s 37(a), 45, 112. Standing and sessional orders have been suspended to enable several notices to be called on together and one motion being moved that the motions be agreed to; e.g. VP 1996–98/125–6 (21.5.1996).

[119] S.O. 178.

[120] E.g. VP 2008–10/1706 (17.3.2010).

[121] S.O. 45.

[122] S.O. 112.

[123] S.O. 110(b).

[124] S.O. 113, e.g. VP 1974–75/790 (5.6.1975); VP 1993–96/2636 (27.11.1995); VP 2016–18/1015 (4.9.2017).

[125] S.O. 113; e.g. VP 1956–57/89 (19.4.1956); H.R. Deb. (19.4.1956) 1479; VP 1974–75/959 (9.10.1975); H.R. Deb. (9.10.1975) 1932; VP 1993–96/2572 (20.11.1995); VP 2008–10/939 (16.3.2009); VP 2010–13/2160 (18.3.2013); VP 2013–16/883 (20.10.2014).

[126] S.O. 37(b).

[127] H.R. Deb. (22.7.1920) 2951.

[128] VP 1968–69/297 (14.11.1968). This is permitted in the Federation Chamber, where private Members (usually committee chairs) may be rostered to have regard to government interests (a seconder is not required on these occasions), e.g. H.R. Deb. (23.6.2010) 6474.

[129] VP 1951–53/285 (5.3.1952).

[130] VP 1970–72/609 (6.5.1971). The relevance of such an amendment would be open to question.

[131] E.g. VP 1978–80/133 (12.4.1978); VP 1990–93/918–9 (21.6.1991); VP 1993–96/2453 (17.10.1995); VP 1998–2001/675 (28.6.1999); VP 2008–10/970 (19.3.2009).

[132] E.g. VP 1998–2001/1531–2 (19.6.2000).

[133] VP 1907–08/381 (15.4.1908); NP 114 (22.4.1908) 541.

[134] S.O. 113. Withdrawal of notice, VP 1974–75/790 (5.6.1975); Member fixes future time, VP 1974–75/959 (9.10.1975); VP 1993–96/2572 (20.11.1995).

[135] S.O. 45(b).

[136] S.O. 37(c); e.g. VP 1976–77/524 (1.12.1976).

[137] VP 1978–80/1497–8 (15.5.1980).

[138] E.g. VP 1978–80/605–7 (24.11.1978); VP 1993–96/1362 (12.10.1994); VP 1998–2001/972 (14.10.1999).

[139] E.g. VP 1978–80/983 (12.9.1979); VP 1993–96/2427–8 (27.9.1995); VP 1998–2001/1167 (9.12.1999).

[140] E.g. VP 2013–16/1608 (17.9.2015); VP 2016–18/731 (10.5.2017).

[141] S.O.s 37(d), 115.

[142] S.O. 43 (90 second statements also occur in the Federation Chamber on Mondays from 4.00 to 4.45 pm).

[143] E.g. H.R. Deb (27.9.2001) 31683.

[144] E.g. VP 2004–07/646 (10.10.2005).

[145] E.g. VP 2004–07/646–7 (10.10.2005).

[146] E.g. H.R. Deb. (23.10.2002) 8456.

[147] E.g. VP 1998–2001/1999, 2010 (7.12.2000); VP 2004–07/1712 (14.2.2007), 1878 (22.5.2007); VP 2008–10/845 (5.2.2009).

[148] E.g. VP 2008–10/853 (10.2.2009).

[149] E.g. VP 2008–10/1584 (4.2.2010).

[150] For more detail see Chapter on ‘Questions’.

[151] Generally the senior Minister present or the Leader of the House.

[152] See ruling VP 1973–74/69 (29.3.1973).

[153] H.R. Deb. (4.5.1960) 1333; H.R. Deb. (9.10.1996) 5061–2.

[154] E.g. H.R. Deb. (31.5.1973) 2938–9; H.R. Deb. (22.8.1996) 3589–90; H.R. Deb. (30.9.2010) 354.

[155] VP 1993–96/814–6 (24.2.1994).

[156] E.g. H.R. Deb. (29.10.1975) 2593; VP 1993–96/2689 (30.11.1995).

[157] S.O.s 199–200.

[158] VP 1987–90/302–3 (9.12.1987).

[159] S.O. 46.

[160] S.O. 1.

[161] E.g. VP 1978–80/40 (2.3.1978).

[162] E.g. VP 1978–80/372 (24.8.1978).

[163] S.O. 63a.

[164] VP 1985–87/23 (22.2.1985).

[165] S.O. 106(c). VP 1985–87/81 (19.3.1985).

[166] VP 1970–72/445 (18.2.1971).

[167] E.g. VP 1987–90/678 (1.9.1988).

[168] NP 114 (11.11.1975) 10502; VP 1974–75/1121 (11.11.1975).

[169] VP 1946–48/250 (17.9.1947); H.R. Deb. (17.9.1947) 4; and see Ch. on ‘Motions’.

[170] VP 1948–49/303–5 (3.6.1949); see also VP 1904/174 (27.9.1904); H.R. Deb. (27.9.1904) 4918; VP 1962–63/411 (2.4.1963).

[171] VP 1961/11 (9.3.1961).

[172] H.R. Deb. (15.3.1961) 221.

[173] VP 1978–80/600 (24.11.1978).

[174] E.g. VP 1970–72/937 (29.2.1972); VP 1983–84/533 (8.3.1984); H.R. Deb. (8.3.1984) 733; VP 1987–89/678 (1.9.1988); VP 1996–98/2975–6 (12.5.1998).

[175] E.g. VP 1985–87/1298 (13.11.1986); VP 1993–96/608 (16.12.1993).

[176] E.g. VP 1968–69/301 (19.11.1968).

[177] E.g. VP 2002–04/1514 (22.3.2004).

[178] S.O.s 51, 66(b).

[179] S.O. 51.

[180] NP 18 (12.4.1978) 913; VP 1978–80/142 (12.4.1978); H.R. Deb. (12.4.1978) 1462–7.

[181] S.O. 49.

[182] Debate may be adjourned and resumed later in the House or be referred to the Federation Chamber. For more detail see ‘Motion of condolence’ in Ch. on ‘Motions’.

[183] VP 1976–77/391 (13.10.1976).

[184] S.O. 26(a); and see Ch. on ‘Members’.

[185] However, the announcement has also been made after Question Time has started, H.R. Deb. (2.6.2008) 3953.

[186] E.g. VP 1993–96/2118 (6.6.1995); H.R. Deb. (25.6.2008) 5888.

[187] E.g. VP 2004–07/1619 (4.12.2006).

[188] E.g. VP 2004–07/1657 (6.2.2007).

[189] See Ch. on ‘Members’.

[190] E.g. VP 1978–80/75 (15.3.1978); VP 2002–04/49 (18.2.2002); VP 2008–10/26 (12.2.2008).

[191] E.g. VP 1993–96/1613 (5.12.1994). But see also VP 1993–96/2012 (30.3.1995).

[192] E.g. VP 1993–96/875 (24.3.1994); VP 1998–2001/1069 (22.11.1999); VP 2008–10/576 (25.9.2008).

[193] S.O. 68.

[194] See H.R. Deb. (7.3.1974) 149, 153–4 for ruling and further discussion on this matter in respect of personal explanations arising during the course of a debate.

[195] S.O. 257.

[196] S.O. 182.

[197] E.g. VP 1985–87/977 (26.5.1986); VP 1996–98/378 (21.8.1996); VP 1998–2001/26 (11.11.1998); H.R. Deb. (27.10.2010) 1828.

[198] E.g. VP 1985–87/1526 (19.3.1987); VP 1996–98/360 (27.6.1996).

[199] For the procedures applying to this period and the responsibilities of the Selection Committee in the allocation of time see Ch. on ‘Non-government business’.

[200] S.O. 39.

[201] S.O. 199(b).

[202] S.O. 50.

[203] VP 1974–75/815–7 (9.7.1975); H.R. Deb. (9.7.1975) 3556.

[204] E.g. VP 2004–07/2009 (7.8.2007) (motion provided for routine to be in accordance with a document to be presented).

[205] S.O. 47(c), e.g. VP 2010–13/215–6 (18.11.2010).

[206] VP 1983–84/543 (27.3.1984); H.R. Deb. (27.3.1984) 803.

[207] S.O.s 86–87.

[208] See S.O. 95 and Chs on ‘Parliament House and access to proceedings’ and ‘Control and conduct of debate’.

[209] The informal government representative in the Federation Chamber may be a private Member. Usually committee chairs are rostered.

[210] E.g. H.R. Deb. (1.5.1987) 2458; H.R. Deb. (26.11.2014) 13209.

[211] E.g. H.R. Deb. (1.3.1950) 219; H.R. Deb. (11.5.1950) 2628; H.R. Deb. (12.4.1978) 1443; H.R. Deb. (29.6.1999) 7701–2; H.R. Deb. (27.2.2006) 40.

[212] H.R. Deb. (11.5.1950) 2497.

[213] Prior to September 2010 specific times were given in successive versions of the standing order. For many years the time was 11 pm and the rule was traditionally referred to as ‘the eleven o’clock rule’.

[214] H.R. Deb. (5.11.1913) 2932.

[215] VP 1962–63/37 (6.3.1962).

[216] VP 1996–98/838 (19.11.1996); H.R. Deb. (19.11.1996) 7138.

[217] VP 1962–63/37 (6.3.1962). It is not new business to fix a future day for the second reading of a bill, H.R. Deb. (3.6.1930) 2432.

[218] H.R. Deb. (16–17.11.1933) 4750.

[219] H.R. Deb. (3.6.1930) 2432–3.

[220] H.R. Deb. (29.6.2000) 18718.

[221] H.R. Deb. (5.11.1913) 2932.

[222] E.g. VP 1985–87/579 (19.11.1985); VP 1998–2001/2019 (7.12.2000); VP 2008–10/976 (19.3.2009).

[223] VP 1978–80/153 (13.4.1978).

[224] VP 1968–69/458 (22.5.1969).

[225] H.R. Deb. (25.5.1933) 1801.

[226] E.g. VP 2004–07/2019–22 (7.8.2007).

[227] H.R. Deb. (23.7.1931) 4332.

[228] S.O. 32(a).

[229] S.O. 76(a).

[230] E.g. VP 1985–87/1272–3 (23.10.1986).

[231] S.O. 18(b).

[232] S.O. 32(a). Standing orders have been suspended to enable a private Member to move the motion, VP 1998–2001/2692 (27.9.2001).

[233] H.R. Deb. (9.4.1908) 10451.

[234] S.O. 31(c).

[235] S.O. 71.

[236] VP 1967–68/143 (19.5.1967).

[237] VP 1960–61/252 (9.11.1960).

[238] VP 1960–61/252 (9.11.1960).

[239] VP 1940–43/118 (3.4.1941); H.R. Deb. (3.4.1941) 703–11.

[240] VP 1964–66/151 (3.9.1964).

[241] VP 1929–31/803 (5.8.1931).

[242] VP 1959–60/311 (27.11.1959); H.R. Deb. (27.11.1959) 3299, 3316. In 1993 on one sitting day the House twice debated, and negatived, adjournment motions while awaiting Senate messages; VP 1993–96/90–2 (13.5.1993).

[243] E.g. VP 1993–96/1723, 1754 (8.12.1994); VP 2002–04/1579 (1.4.2004).

[244] That is, if the division in progress is on the question ‘That the question be now put’, and this is agreed to, that question may then be put and divided on.

[245] If aware of the wish of the House for business to continue, the Speaker may put the question without the Minister’s intervention, e.g. VP 2004–07/2018 (7.8.2007).

[246] VP 1977/72 (20.4.1977).

[247] H.R. Deb. (22.2.1979) 334.

[248] VP 1996–98/2100 (1.10.1997).

[249] E.g. VP 1993–96/2567–8 (26.10.1995).

[250] E.g. VP 2002–04/1508–9 (11.3.2004); VP 2004–07/2067 (14.8.2007).

[251] H.R. Deb. (23.8.1979) 613.

[252] E.g. VP 2004–07/1855 (9.5.2007), 1867 (10.5.2007); VP 2008–10/243 (14.5.2008), 259 (15.5.2008).

[253] H.R. Deb. (23.8.1974) 1168. The Member concerned was requested to apologise at the next sitting,
VP 1974–75/154 (17.9.1974); H.R. Deb. (17.9.1974) 1239–40.

[254] VP 1974–75/154–5 (17.9.1974). see also p. 274 for 1917 case of disobedience to Chair after count out.

[255] Curtin, VP 1945–46/179 (5.7.1945); Holt, VP 1966–69/2, 4 (12.3.1968).

[256] Reid, Deakin, Fisher, Lyons, Chifley, Hughes, Scullin, Menzies, McEwen, McMahon, Gorton, Whitlam, Fraser (for Watson and Page the House was suspended; for Barton, Cook, Bruce, and Forde the House was neither adjourned nor suspended).

[257] VP 1951–53/257 (7.2.1952).

[258] VP 1951–53/631 (25.3.1953).

[259] VP 1961/6 (7.3.1961).

[260] VP 1987/12 (14.9.1987) (Speaker Snedden).

[261] In earlier times the practice was to adjourn on the death of any sitting Member. In 1957 the practice was changed to suspension of the House for one hour—see statement by Leader of House, H.R. Deb. (19.3.1957) 21. The House has adjourned as a mark of respect for victims of natural disasters, VP 2008–10/849 (9.2.2009), VP 2010–13/274 (8.2.2011).

[262] VP 1946–48/250 (17.9.1947).

[263] VP 1954–55/351 (13.10.1955); VP 1956–57/169 (24.5.1956); VP 1973–74/405 (27.9.1973); VP 1985–87/1273 (23.10.1986).

[264] House of Representatives (Quorum) Act 1989.

[265] S.O. 57.

[266] S.O. 56(d).

[267] VP 1913/63 (19.9.1913).

[268] VP 1905/227 (21.12.1905); H.R. Deb. (21.12.1905) 7461.

[269] May, 10th edn, p. 224; Josef Redlich, The procedure of the House of Commons, Archibald Constable, London, 1908, vol. II, pp. 68–9.

[270] VP 1974–75/379 (28.11.1974); H.R. Deb. (28.11.1974) 4231–2.

[271] S.O. 58.

[272] S.O. 57.

[273] VP 1901–02/545 (24.9.1902); VP 1909/70 (30.7.1909); VP 1934–37/23 (14.11.1934), 100 (12.12.1934).

[274] VP 1907–08/205 (9.12.1907).

[275] See Ch. on ‘Members’.

[276] H.R. Deb. (13.3.1973) 497.

[277] H.R. Deb. (5.4.1973) 1159.

[278] H.R. Deb. (10.12.1930) 1247.

[279] H.R. Deb. (5.12.1930) 1092; H.R. Deb. (1.6.2006) 94. However, this rule is now qualified by the possibility of deferring the count for a quorum called during specified periods under S.O. 55(b) and (c)—see page 275. A quorum call has been withdrawn, by leave, at the request of the Chair, additional Members having entered the Chamber, H.R. Deb. (13.5.2009) 3742.

[280] E.g. VP 1974–75/695–6 (26.5.1975); VP 1993–96/194 (31.8.1993).

[281] S.O. 56.

[282] H.R. Deb. (13.3.1973) 497.

[283] H.R. Deb. (7.8.1923) 2240.

[284] H.R. Deb. (20.11.1951) 2263–4.

[285] S.O. 55(a), now qualified by the deferring of the count during specified periods under S.O. 55(b) and (c)—see page 275.

[286] VP 1951–53/466 (25.9.1952); H.R. Deb. (30.9.1952) 2313–14.

[287] H.R. Deb. (21.10.1954) 2241, 2245.

[288] H.R. Deb. (20.3.1953) 1473–4.

[289] VP 1920–21/693 (22.7.1921); H.R. Deb. (22.7.1921) 10505. This practice was followed for some years—see H.R. Deb. (21.8.1923) 3176; H.R. Deb. (16–17.7.1925) 1149, 1151. The precedent has been rejected by the Chair, H.R. Deb (15.3.2000) 14796–8, but applied on later occasion, H.R. Deb. (13.10.2005) 92.

[290] H.R. Deb. (17.2.2005) 102.

[291] VP 1934–37/210 (9.4.1935); H.R. Deb. (9.4.1935) 1052–3.

[292] H.R. Deb. (13.5.1936) 1651.

[293] H.R. Deb. (23.6.1999) 7258.

[294] S.O. 56(d).

[295] S.O. 56(c).

[296] S.O. 2.

[297] H.R. Deb. (30.9.1954) 1776.

[298] H.R. Deb. (27.11.1959) 3314; H.R. Deb. (1.3.1973) 168; H.R. Deb. (23.4.1980) 2165.

[299] PP 242 (1971) 44.

[300] S.O. 57. E.g. VP 2010–13/549 (25.5.2011).

[301] To July 2017. For the most recent precedent on the adjournment of the House see VP 1954–55/126 (27.10.1954). For precedents during other debates see VP 1904/157 (9.9.1904); VP 1912/216 (6.11.1912); VP 1920–21/254 (13.8.1920); VP 1934–37/252 (10.4.1935); VP 1970–72/688 (26.8.1971); VP 1993–96/2354 (30.8.1995).

[302] VP 1914–17/567 (22.2.1917); H.R. Deb. (15.2.1917) 10550.

[303] See also ‘Time limits for speeches’ in Ch. on ‘Control and conduct of debate’.

[304] S.O. 55. The matter lapses if the Member concerned is not present at the relevant time e.g. H.R. Deb. (20.6.2006) 83, 101. Standing orders have been suspended to defer quorum counts (and divisions) for a specified period—e.g. for the remainder of a sitting until the following day, VP 2010–13/1218 (14.2.2012). See also ‘Deferred divisions’ at p. 282.

[305] S.O. 59.

[306] VP 1907–08/207 (10.12.1907); NP 79 (23.11.1907) 357.

[307] VP 1970–72/691 (7.9.1971); VP 1993–96/2360–1 (31.8.1995).

[308] VP 1934–37/305 (17.10.1935).

[309] Constitution, s. 40. For discussion of the casting vote see Ch. on ‘The Speaker, Deputy Speakers and officers’. For discussion of the restrictions regarding voting at various times by Members for the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory see p. 168 of the second edition.

[310] VP 1978–80/959 (28.8.1979); and see Ch. on ‘Motions’.

[311] S.O. 125.

[312] H.R. Deb. (27.7.1922) 895–6.

[313] VP 1923–24/43 (27.6.1923).

[314] VP 1970–72/987 (28.3.1972); H.R. Deb. (28.3.1972) 1239.

[315] S.O. 126.

[316] H.R. Deb. (25.10.1977) 2349–50.

[317] VP 1978–80/686 (22.3.1979).

[318] VP 2016–18/147 (14.9.2016).

[319] E.g. H.R. Deb. (29.11.2005) 107.

[320] H.R. Deb. (26.2.1953) 428.

[321] VP 1987–89/531–6 (18.5.1988). An absolute majority is also required to suspend standing orders without notice under S.O. 47(c). On occasion, division bells have been rung, although the action was unopposed, to bring the necessary number of Members to the Chamber (the count not being proceeded with once sufficient arrived), e.g. H.R. Deb. (4.4.1974) 1071.

[322] VP 1968–69/165 (22.8.1968).

[323] VP 2013–16/1111 (12.2.2015), H.R. Deb. (12.2.2015) 713.

[324] VP 1934–37/209–40 (9.4.1935). In the new Parliament House the most divisions in a sitting was 32 on 22.11.2011, VP 2010–13/1083–1114.

[325] Average of 2.3 for 1991–2016. However, between 20% and 60% of sittings in these years had no divisions.

[326] S.O. 134; see also Ch. on ‘Members’ for discussion of pecuniary interest.

[327] H.R. Deb. (22–23.6.1950) 4824.

[328] E.g. H.R. Deb. (24.9.1936) 501; VP 2008–10/620 (16.10.2008); VP 2010–13/2445 (20.6.2013); VP 2013–16/356 (6.3.2014).

[329] H.R. Deb. (12.8.1999) 8579; VP 1998–2001/761 (12.8.1999); H.R. Deb. (23.6.1997) 6073; VP 1996–98/1745 (23.6.1997); H.R. Deb. (12.10.2005) 8; VP 2004–07/669 (12.10.2005); VP 2013–16/188 (9.12.2013).

[330] H.R. Deb. (13.12.1996) 8456.

[331] VP 1960–61/46 (28.4.1960); VP 1996–98/235 (30.5.1996), 1600 (4.6.1997).

[332] E.g. VP 1998–2001/2555 (27.8.2001); H.R. Deb. (22.11.2010) 3253–4.

[333] The question was on an opposition motion to suspend standing orders which the Government had initially opposed. VP 2002–04/1550 (30.3.2004); H. R. Deb. (30.3.2004) 27592–3.

[334] H.R. Deb. (30.11.1933) 5290.

[335] VP 1932–34/839 (30.11.1933); H.R. Deb. (30.11.–1.12.1933) 5310–12.

[336] H.R. Deb. (13.3.1956) 714.

[337] S.O. 129(a)(b).

[338] Votes of Members entering the Chamber after the doors have been ordered locked have not been counted, H.R. Deb. (23.5.2001) 26930; H.R. Deb. (24.5.2001) 27042; H.R. Deb. (12.5.2004) 28443; H.R. Deb. (13.5.2004) 28668; H.R. Deb. (13.10.2005) 94–6; H.R. Deb. (1.11.2005) 11; H.R. Deb. (22.10.2014) 11709–11; H.R. Deb. (26.11.2014) 13327–8. When the Deputy Speaker believed there had been a delay in the response to his direction that the doors be locked, he drew attention to the fact that a Member had entered the Chamber later and the Member left the Chamber, H.R. Deb. (28.3.2007) 130.

[339] S.O. 131(a).

[340] VP 1987–89/799 (20.10.1988). Originally 2 minutes; increased to 3 minutes in 1985 following the housing of some Members in an annexe to the provisional Parliament House.

[341] S.O. 128. S.O. 129(a) permits Members who did not call for the division to leave the area (and thus not vote).

[342] H.R. Deb. (20–21.11.1935) 1861; H.R. Deb. (21.11.1935) 1863–4.

[343] S.O. 129(b).

[344] H.R. Deb. (6.5.1976) 2073.

[345] H.R. Deb. (14.11.1974) 3533.

[346] S.O. 190(a).

[347] S.O. 127, e.g. VP 1996–98/1523 (27.5.1997); VP 1998–2001/1745 (7.9.2000).

[348] H.R. Deb. (5.4.1978) 1055.

[349] S.O. 129(c).

[350] Before 1998 two tellers a side were specified. Additional tellers have been appointed in the case of a free vote, H.R. Deb. (25.9.1902) 7166. In 2003 a trial was held using additional tellers, see p. 286.

[351] H.R. Deb. (13.12.1934) 1253.

[352] VP 1970–72/289 (3.9.1970).

[353] H.R. Deb. (12.11.1909) 5803–4.

[354] H.R. Deb. (24.11.1909) 6259.

[355] VP 1917–19/244–6 (29.5.1918); H.R. Deb. (29.5.1918) 5246.

[356] H.R. Deb. (5.4.1933) 869–70.

[357] VP 1917–19/245 (29.5.1918); H.R. Deb. (29.5.1918) 5247–8.

[358] VP 1970–72/518 (20.4.1971); VP 1974–75/430 (5.12.1974).

[359] VP 1998–2001/1936 (30.11.2000). In similar circumstances in 2008 when opposition Members left the Chamber while the bells were ringing the Chair ruled that there was no need to proceed with the division, H.R. Deb. (19.3.2008) 2251; VP 2008–10/193 (19.3.2008).

[360] S.O. 2 stipulates that the advisers’ box and the special galleries are not included in this area, but that the seat where the Serjeant usually sits is included.

[361] H.R. Deb. (5.6.1979) 2934.

[362] VP 1934–37/720 (5.11.1936).

[363] S.O. 129(d).

[364] H.R. Deb. (6.4.1976) 1361.

[365] E.g. H.R. Deb. (2.6.2004) 29924.

[366] H.R. Deb. (18–19.11.1959) 2885.

[367] VP 1996–98/1002–3 (9.12.1996).

[368] H.R. Deb. (26.6.1931) 3098.

[369] H.R. Deb. (19.8.1976) 430.

[370] VP 1974–75/892 (3.9.1975). The Member had left the Chair on the Speaker entering the Chamber and taking the Chair. After ruling, the Speaker commented that the objectors had ‘just gained a technical point which lowers the dignity of the House’. H.R. Deb. (3.9.1975) 961–3.

[371] S.O. 128.

[372] H.R. Deb. (8.5.1952) 219–20.

[373] H.R. Deb. (15–16.3.1944) 1416.

[374] E.g. H.R. Deb. (7.5.1908) 11010. And see May, 23rd edn, p. 404.

[375] E.g. VP 1978–80/1308 (5.3.1980) (Mr Simon’s amendment).

[376] S.O. 86(c).

[377] This tradition has developed from past practice of the UK House of Commons—see John Hatsell, Precedents of proceedings in the House of Commons (1818) Vol 2, p. 199; Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons, Fourth report: Conduct in the Chamber, 1998, paras 63–65.

[378] H.R. Deb. (10.8.1923) 2597.

[379] H.R. Deb. (7.9.1909) 3099.

[380] H.R. Deb. (29.3.1950) 1325.

[381] H.R. Deb. (13.10.1983) 1801.

[382] H.R. Deb. (8.10.1984) 1875.

[383] S.O. 131(a). In the 44th Parliament the requirement was 3 minutes between divisions rather than no intervening debate; the time was measured with a 3 minute sandglass.

[384] E.g. H.R. Deb. (10.12.1998) 1850 (new bill).

[385] H.R. Deb. (29.10.1997) 10150–51; (30.10.1997) 10374–5.

[386] S.O. 131(b)(c).

[387] S.O. 133. The standing order has been suspended, e.g. VP 2008–10/10 (12.2.2008)—for this sitting; VP 2010–13/2278 (27.5.2013)—until completion of consideration of certain bills; VP 2013–16/1555 (8.9.2015)—until 2 pm.

[388] E.g. VP 2010–13/2178 (19.3.2013)—further amendments moved to a bill after division deferred on earlier amendments,

[389] E.g. H.R. Deb. (13.10.2003) 21260; H.R. Deb. (1.9.2008) 6760. The Member speaking may initiate an early adjournment of the debate by seeking leave to continue his or her remarks, e.g. H.R. Deb. (16.9.2010) 2574.

[390] See A. R. Browning ‘The ringing of the bells causes some divisions’, Canberra Times, 27.9.87, p. 2.

[391] See Friday sitting proceedings H.R. Deb. (22.2.2008) 1238–43, 1282–5; VP 2008–10/119–22 (22.2.2008). For deferred division proceedings see H.R. Deb. (11.3.2008) 1287–92; VP 2008–10/125–30 (11.3.2008).

[392] E.g. VP 2002–04/1206–8 (7.10.2003) (debate on bill adjourned and resumed later to allow the expected division to occur at a convenient time).

[393] E.g. proceedings on the Euthanasia Laws Bill 1996 (a private Member’s bill) were postponed by agreement so that divisions would occur at a convenient time. H.R. Deb. (9.12.1996) 8037. E.g. to allow uninterrupted debate on a bill for the remainder of a late sitting, standing orders were suspended by leave to give precedence to government business, and to defer divisions and quorum counts until the next day, VP 2010–13/1218 (14.2.2012).

[394] S.O. 135(a).

[395] S.O. 135(b).

[396] H.R. Deb. (7.4.1978) 1239–40.

[397] VP 1932–34/121 (15.3.1932).

[398] VP 1940/105 (21.6.1940).

[399] VP 1990–92/1093 (17.10.1991).

[400] S.O. 132(a); VP 1977/145 (25.5.1977) (because of a dispute between the tellers over the numbers recorded); VP 1998–2001/1935–7 (30.11.2000) (on a motion of dissent from a ruling of the Speaker the initial result was a tied vote, but the Speaker said that, as the matter of the ringing of the bells had been raised—they had rung for 1 minute, not 4, although there had been intervening debate—there was the possibility of confusion, and so he put the question again; further dispute arose, and a motion of no confidence in the Speaker was moved, but defeated); VP 2013–16/21 (18.4.2016) (confusion in the numbers reported by the tellers).

[401] VP 1974/19, 28 (6.3.1974); H.R. Deb. (6.3.1974) 111–2.

[402] S.O. 132(b), e.g. VP 2016–18/980–2 (15.8.2017); 1245–7 (4.12.2017). On the latter occasion, in response to a point of order the Speaker stated that in his interpretation ‘misadventure’ was ‘pretty much everything other than deliberately not voting’. He also called on the two Members concerned to explain to the House the reason they had missed the initial vote. H.R. Deb. (4.12.2017) 12415–6.

[403] N. Wilding & P. Laundy, An encyclopaedia of Parliament, 4th edn, Cassell, London, 1972, p. 515.

[404] Pairs are now recorded only in Hansard.

[405] VP 1974–75/596 (17.4.1975); H.R. Deb. (17.4.1975) 1760–2.

[406] VP 1974–75/789 (5.6.1975); H.R. Deb. (5.6.1975) 3405–6.

[407] H.R. Deb. (15.8.1923) 2783.

[408] E.g. between 2004 and 2007. The practice recommenced in the 42nd Parliament.

[409] H.R. Deb. (14.7.1925) 1007, and see H.R. Deb. (16.5.2013) 3439 and (31.8.2016) 14, 15.

[410] S.O. 128.

[411] H.R. Deb. (6.5.1976) 2073.

[412] H.R. Deb. (14.11.1974) 3533.

[413] Proxy votes are identified in the Votes and Proceedings.

[414] H.R. Deb. (12.2.2008) 150–2. The terms of the resolution are reproduced as an attachment to the Standing Orders.

[415] See H.R. Deb. (19.8.1970) 172.

[416] E.g. VP 1985–87/1627 (6.5.1987) (Parliamentary Privileges Bill 1987); VP 1987–89/1732 (21.12.1989) (Family Law Amendment Bill 1989).

[417] VP 1970–72/901–2 (8.12.1971).

[418] E.g. Marriage Amendment Bill 2012, H.R. Deb. (19.9.2012) 11203–4.

[419] VP 1968–69/242 (17.10.1968).

[420] VP 1973–74/476 (24.10.1973).

[421] VP 1974–75/198, 199, 199–200, 200 (26.9.1974).

[422] VP 1954–55/270–1 (10.6.1955). Leader of the Opposition Evatt informed the House that the matter of privilege in the Browne and Fitzpatrick case did not involve party consideration and that on no occasion had a question of privilege been discussed at a party meeting by Australian Labor Party Members, H.R. Deb. (10.6.1955) 1630.

[423] VP 1970–72/243 (19.8.1970), 252–3 (20.8.1970).

[424] VP 1970–72/686, 687 (26.8.1971).

[425] VP 1970–72/1009, 1010 (13.4.1972).

[426] VP 1970–72/294, 295 (4.9.1970).

[427] VP 1987–89/303–4 (9.12.1987).

[428] VP 1973–74/172, 172–3 (10.5.1973).

[429] VP 1996–98/998–1003 (9.12.1996) (on the subject of the bill, not on the procedural questions relating to it).

[430] VP 1973–74/327, 327–8, 328 (13.9.1973).

[431] VP 1973–74/458 (18.10.1973).

[432] VP 1978–80/692, 692–3 (22.3.1979).

[433] VP 1964–66/251 (18.3.1965).

[434] VP 1959–60/261 (2) (17.11.1959), 264–5, 265, 265–6 (18.11.1959).

[435] VP 1973–74/329, 330 (2) (13.9.1973)

[436] VP 1974–75/384 (28.11.1974) (and on subsequent divisions during proceedings on the bill).

[437] VP 1983–84/305–10 (19.10.1983).

[438] VP 1983–84/528–30 (7.3.1984).

[439] VP 1998–2001/733 (9.8.1999).

[440] H.R. Deb. (27.6.2002) 4541–4; VP 2002–04/305 (27.6.2002). Free votes also on the division of the bill and subsequent proceedings on the resultant bills, Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill 2002 and the Research Involving Embryos Bill 2002.

[441] VP 2004–07/954–7 (16.2.2006).

[442] VP 2004–07/1635–7 (6.12.2006).

[443] VP 2016–18/1284–8 (7.12.2017).

[444] The time taken for a division also increased in the 43rd Parliament when numbers were close, due to the need for extreme care in the count.

[445] Standing Committee on Procedure, Conduct of divisions, PP 290 (1996).

[446] Standing Committee on Procedure, Trial of additional tellers. PP 408 (2003). The time taken to record normal (4 minute bell) divisions had been reduced by about 2 minutes per division. However, for 31% of divisions the initial record contained errors. Statement by Speaker, H.R. Deb. (10.2.2004) 24090.

[447] H.R. Deb. (14.10.1976) 1926; see also the address to the National Press Club on 8 June 1978 by Speaker Snedden (unpublished) and Selwyn Lloyd, Mr Speaker, Sir, Jonathan Cape, London, 1976, pp. 96–8; but see also comments by Speaker Snedden, Report of 4th Conference of Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers, 1976, London, p. 9.

[448] H.R. Deb. (10.9.1975) 1214. Standing Committee on Procedure, Conduct of divisions, PP 290 (1996) 5. Also examined in the Committee’s 2003 report Review of the conduct of divisions, PP 163 (2003) 4–5.

[449] See H.R. Deb. (19.4.1966) 955.

[450] ‘Proposed New and Permanent Parliament House for the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia’, Report of Joint Select Committee, PP 32 (1970) 30.

[451] Electronic voting: report of inspection of equipment used in the Parliaments of Belgium, Finland, Sweden and the United States of America and in the European Parliament building in Brussels, October/November 1993. Misc. Paper 7743.

[452] Standing Committee on Procedure, Conduct of divisions, PP 290 (1996) 5, 16.

[453] Standing Committee on Procedure, Review of the conduct of divisions. PP 163 (2003) 6–9.

[454] Standing Committee on Procedure, Electronic voting in the House of Representatives, June 2013.

[455] Standing Committee on Procedure, Division required? Electronic voting in the House of Representatives, April 2016.

[456] See Ch. on ‘The Speaker, Deputy Speakers and officers’.

[457] S.O. 136.

[458] S.O. 137.

[459] Members to serve on parliamentary committees are regularly elected by ballot in the party rooms.

[460] VP 1905/135–6 (26.10.1905); H.R. Deb. (26.10.1905) 4169. The method of appointment of Members was agreed to pursuant to a standing order (no longer operative) which provided that, if six Members so required, a committee was to be appointed by ballot.

[461] VP 1903/161–2 (7.10.1903); VP 1904/129 (27.7.1904); VP 1908/29–30 (2.10.1908). The 1904 ballot was to determine the opinion of Members as to the district in New South Wales in which the seat of government should be; the other two were for actual sites.