The Australian Parliament follows a specific process to ensure that all new laws are thoroughly debated. If a bill is introduced and passed by the Senate first, what is the next mandatory step it must take before it can be presented to the Governor-General for Royal Assent?
- AIt must be reviewed and approved by the High Court of Australia.
- It must be debated and passed by the House of Representatives.Answer
- CIt must be signed by the Leader of the Opposition to show bipartisan support.
Answer
The bill must be debated and passed by the House of Representatives.
In the Australian parliamentary system, for a bill to become an Act of Parliament (a law), it must be passed by a majority of members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Therefore, if a bill starts in and passes the Senate, it must then go to the House of Representatives for approval before it can reach the final stage of Royal Assent.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Bicameral Legislative Process
Hints
1
Think about the two main rooms (houses) in the Australian Parliament building.
2
Australia has a 'bicameral' system, meaning a law must be agreed upon by both the 'Upper House' and the 'Lower House'.
3
If the Senate (Upper House) has already finished its vote, which major part of Parliament still needs to look at the bill?
Practice More
Review the role of the Governor-General in the 'Royal Assent' stage which happens after both houses have finished their votes.
Estimated Time:1m 0s