107 Order for roll call
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An order for a roll call shall be made not less than 21 days before the day specified in the order as the day for the roll call.
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An order for a roll call may be postponed or discharged as with other orders of the day.
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An order for a roll call shall be the first order of the day for the day on which the roll call is to take place.
Amendment history
Adopted: 19 August 1903 as SOs 275, 278 (part) and 277 (corresponding to paragraphs (1), part of (2) and (3)) but renumbered as SOs 271, 274 and 273 for the first printed edition
Amended: 5 October 1922, J.107, J.143 (any variation of the order fixing the time for the call must be subsequent to the original time)
1989 revision: Old SOs 283, 286 (part) and 285 combined into one, structured as three paragraphs and renumbered as SO 107; 1922 amendment superseded; language modernised and expression streamlined
Commentary
In 1903, original SO 275 provided for 14 days’ notice for a call of the Senate. However, in debate it was recognised that “in the case of senators from distant States fourteen days is insufficient notice”. It was agreed to increase the period of notice to 21 days.[1]
In relation to the period of notice of 21 days, Australian Senate Practice notes that “in the age of air travel, the term of notice could no doubt be reduced”,[2] but the provision remains unaltered and virtually unused.
An order for a roll call takes precedence over all other orders of the day on the day on which the roll call is to take place.