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How
Parliament Works
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A Year 6
students role play as Clerk & Speaker in the Legislative
Assembly.
By Sally and Aarti
The main function of the Parliament is legislation, making new
laws and to correct faults of existing laws.
A law is introduced into the Parliament and is called a Bill. When a
bill has been passed by both Houses and receives the Assent of the
Governor, it becomes an Act or Statute. A bill can be introduced to
Parliament from either house but most are introduced in the Legislative
Assembly.
The bill is set by the Parliamentary Counsel and then sent to Cabinet
for its agreement. The bill is then usually introduced in the House of
the member. Members who are not
Ministers can also introduce bills and they are called Private members
bills.
The second reading and Committee stages are the most important. By that
time, members have had a chance to read and check the bill. At the
second reading stage the Minister introducing the bill makes a detailed
speech outlining its purposes, how it will work and what the bill is
intended to achieve. Members then put across their views on the bill in
debates and often tell the House what amendments they want to move at
the Committee stage.
When a bill has been through both Houses, the Clerk of the House where
the bill came from certifies that it has passed the Legislative Council
and the Legislative Assembly. It is then sent to the Governor for
agreement.
The sittings of Parliament do not only deal with legislation. Members
have other opportunities to bring up matters of public concern and
request consideration of urgent problems. Members acting on behalf of
their constituents often help in redressing a complaint or stimulating
government action in many matters.
After all, Parliament is there to look after the interests of all
people
in N.S.W.