Time limits on speeches and for the consideration of particular items of business are provided for in a number of standing orders.

The following list consolidates these time limits and indicates where they can be located in this volume (SO – standing order).

1 Debate

General – 20 mins	SO 189(1)
Extension of time – 10 mins	SO 189(1)
In committee – 15 mins	SO 189(3)
In reply – 20 mins	SO 189(2)

2 Bills

First reading of non-amendable bill – 15 mins	SO 112(2)
Second reading – 20 mins	SO 189(1)
In committee – 15 mins	SO 189(3)
Third reading – 20 mins	SO 189(1)
Selection of Bills Committee – adoption of report – 5 mins(limit for debate 30 mins)	SO 24A(7)
Reference of a bill to committee – 5 mins(limit for debate 30 mins)	SO 115(6)

3 Matters of public importance/urgency – 10 mins SO 75

(limit for debate 60 mins, or if no motions are moved after question time to take note of answers, 90 mins)	SO 75(7)

4 Matters of public interest – 15 mins SO 57(2)

5 Questions

Without notice: question – 1 min.; answer – 4 mins;
supplementary questions and answers – 1 min. each	SO 72(3)
Motions relating to answers – 5 mins(limit for debate 30 mins)	SO 72(4)

6 Committee reports and government responses and Auditor–General’s reports

Motions relating to committee report on Wednesday or Thursday – 10 mins (limit for debate 60 mins)	SO 62(4)
Resumption of debate on motions for consideration or adoption – 10 mins (limit for debate 60 mins)	SO 62(1)

7 Government documents

Motion to take note, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5 mins(limit for debate 30 mins)	SO 61(3)
Resumption Thursday – 5 mins (limit for debate 60 mins)	SO 61(3)

8 General – documents

Motions moved by leave – 10 mins (limit for debate 30 mins per motion, 60 mins for all motions)	SO 169(2)

9 Suspension of standing orders – 5 mins

(limit for debate 30 mins)	SO 209(4)

10 Adjournment – 10 mins

(limit for debate 40 mins, except Tuesdays)	SO 54(5)

Note:     Time taken to make or determine points of order and form a quorum is not deducted from the time for the senator to speak or ask a question or the time for a debate except the adjournment debate (standing orders 52(7), 197(6)).

Senate Numbers