Parliament of Queensland
Parliament of Queensland | |
---|---|
Government (51)
Opposition (35)
Crossbench (7)
| |
Elections | |
Full preferential voting | |
Last election | 31 October 2020 |
Next election | 26 October 2024 |
Meeting place | |
Parliament House, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | |
Website | |
www | |
Constitution | |
Constitution of Queensland |
The Parliament of Queensland is the
The Queensland Parliament retains
Following the outcome of the
History
The Parliament was founded 22 May 1860, less than a year after the Colony of Queensland was created in June 1859.[3] It was convened at military and convict barracks converted for the purpose located on Queen Street, Brisbane.[4] Immigration was an important issue for the early Parliament. Population growth was encouraged with new settlers enticed by land ownership.[5]
In 1915, Queensland became the first state to make voting compulsory at state elections.[6]
Since 1 April 2003, live audio broadcasts have streamed through the internet from the Parliament while it is in session.[7] In June 2007, the Parliament started broadcasting video of parliamentary proceedings. Nine in-house television cameras are used to record sessions.[8]
The first female Speaker, Fiona Simpson was elected on 15 May 2012.[9]
Membership
The Assembly has 93 Members of Parliament (MPs). These are intended to represent approximately the same population in each electorate. Voting is by the
In April 2016, legislation was passed to increase the number of seats in the parliament by four to a total of 93. An amendment was also passed to abolish optional preferential voting. A referendum held the previous month was passed, supporting a bill to establish fixed four-year terms.
Royal assent
The role of the monarch in Parliament is to give
The leader of that party subsequently becomes the
Operations
Once all winning candidates have been declared, the governor of Queensland proclaims a date for the start of the new Parliament.[10] It is the role of the Clerk of the Parliament to call members to attendance.
According to the
This oath or affirmation must be made to the governor or someone authorised by him or her—typically the clerk of the Parliament.Sworn-in representatives are required to elect a Speaker to preside over the House's business.
The ceremonial opening of the new Parliament is marked by a speech by the governor. Traditionally the speech is written by the new government and it may outline current activities, budget details, statistics and proposed lists of legislation which are intended to be introduced.[10]
A day in Parliament usually begins with housekeeping matters, including prayers, notifications and the tabling of any documents.[10] An opportunity is then given to Ministers to make statements. During a period of no more than an hour, known as question time, any member may pose a question to a Minister.
Regional sittings
Starting in 2002, the Queensland Parliament has held regional sittings of parliament across the state.[13] Originally being held every three years, the occurrence has become more sporadic, and, in 2023, the regional sitting took place in Cairns. It was the first sitting since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second in twelve years.
No. | Location | Dates | Venue | Region |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Townsville | 3–5 September 2002 | Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre | North Queensland |
2 | Rockhampton | 4–6 October 2005 | Pilbeam Theatre | Central Queensland |
3 | Cairns | 28–30 October 2008 | Cairns Convention Centre | Far North Queensland |
4 | Mackay | 24–26 May 2011 | Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre | Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday |
5 | Townsville | 3–5 September 2019 | Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre | North Queensland |
6 | Cairns | 9–11 May 2023 | Cairns Convention Centre | Far North Queensland |
Distribution of seats
As of 17 March 2024, the composition of Parliament is:
Party | Seats | ||
---|---|---|---|
Current Assembly (total 93 seats) | |||
Labor |
51 | ||
Liberal National | 35 | ||
Katter's Australian | 3 | ||
Greens | 2 | ||
One Nation | 1 | ||
Independent | 1 |
- 47 votes as a majority are required to pass legislation.
See also
- Parliaments of the Australian states and territories
- Legislative Assembly of Queensland
- List of members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly
- Second Palaszczuk Ministry
References
- ^ "The power of the Parliament of Queensland". Legislation Handbook. Department of the Premier and Cabinet. 23 April 2012. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
- ^ Green, Antony (21 April 2016). "Electoral Law Ructions in the Queensland Parliament". Archived from the original on 8 December 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ "Almost 150 years strong" (lift out section). The Courier-Mail. 28 August 2007. pp. 40 to 41.
- ^ "About Us". Queensland Parliament. Archived from the original on 28 April 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ "Creation of a state". Government of Queensland. 30 July 2012. Archived from the original on 18 November 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ Tony Moore (3 January 2013). "Compulsory confusion at the ballot box". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 5 January 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ "Qld parliament goes live on the internet". The Sydney Morning Herald. 1 April 2003. Archived from the original on 28 February 2005. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ "Parliament accused of censorship over camera ban". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. 30 May 2008. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ Daniel Hurst (15 May 2012). "Simpson elected state's first female Speaker as Parliament resumes". Brisbane Times. Fairfax MEdia. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
- ^ ISBN 978-1921666315. Archived(PDF) from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
- ^ Constitution of Queensland 2001 (Qld) s 22
- ^ "Information on Parliament". Queensland Parliament. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ "Regional Sittings". parliament.qld.gov.au. Parliament of Queensland. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
Further reading
- Wanna, John; Tracey Arklay (2010). The Ayes Have It: The History of the Queensland Parliament 1957–1989 (PDF). ANU E Press. ISBN 978-1921666315.
External links