Parliament will be prorogued on 15/4/16. Will any Bills before parliament on 15/4/16 lapse, and need to be reintroduced?

Interesting question, David. The term of each Parliament can be divided into sessions. When a session of Parliament is formally closed (other than to call an election), it is said to be prorogued. The Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, prorogues Parliament.

When Parliament is prorogued, the Notice Paper – which lists all business that is before the Senate and House of Representatives – is cleared. Senate committees can be empowered to meet after a prorogation and bills – proposed laws – introduced in the previous session may be revived in the new session.

A man wearing a blue suit and tie stands at a desk with his hands on a lecturn. Other men in suits and a couple of women sit listening at thier desks. The chairs and carpet are green.

A member speaking in the House of Representatives 2.

DPS Auspic

A member speaking in the House of Representatives 2.

A man wearing a blue suit and tie stands at a desk with his hands on a lecturn. Other men in suits and a couple of women sit listening at thier desks. The chairs and carpet are green.

DPS Auspic

Description

A member of the House of Represenatatives makes a speech in the House of Representatives.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.