What does it mean when members say "I move that this bill now be read a second time?"
In Parliament, a bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing one. There are several stages to pass a bill through parliament, including the debate to have the bill read a second time.
For a bill to pass through the Senate or House of Representatives, the title of the bill must be read out by the clerk three times. This process is set out in the standing orders – the rules about how the Senate and House conduct their meetings.
The first reading is simply the introduction of the bill. When it is ready to be debated, a member or senator (usually the minister responsible for the bill) asks for the bill to be progressed. They do this by moving a motion – a formal proposal to take action – that it be read a second time. During second reading debates, senators and members can explain why they support or oppose a bill. They can also suggest changes to a bill. After the debate, the senators and members vote on whether the bill should be read a second time and if passed, progress to the third reading stage.
The usual path of a bill.
Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)
The usual path of a bill.
Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)
Description
This diagram illustrates the usual path of a bill through the Australian Parliament to become Australian law.
In the House of Representatives a bill goes through the following stages:
- 1st reading—the bill is introduced to the House of Representatives.
- 2nd reading—members debate and vote on the main idea of the bill.
- House committee (optional stage)—public inquiry into the bill and reporting back to the House.
- Consideration in detail (optional stage)—members discuss the bill in detail, including any changes to the bill.
- 3rd reading—members vote on the bill in its final form.
The bill is passed in the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate.
Senate referral—the Senate may refer the text of the bill to a Senate committee for inquiry (this can happen while the bill is in the House).
In the Senate a bill goes through the following stages:
- 1st reading—the bill is introduced to the Senate.
- 2nd reading—senators debate and vote on the main idea of the bill.
- Senate committee (optional stage)—public inquiry into the bill and reporting back to the Senate.
- Committee of the whole (optional stage)—senators discuss the bill in detail, including any changes to the bill.
- 3rd reading—senators vote on the bill in its final form.
- The bill is passed in the Senate.
The bill is given Royal Assent—The Governor-General signs the bill.
The bill becomes an Act of Parliament—a law for Australia.
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