2.38 Completed templates and statements of reasons (if required) are to be sent to the Legislation Section via secure email (Fedlink[1]) or CABNET; they must not be sent via ordinary email facilities.
2.39 Completed draft templates are to be sent to the Legislation Section in advance, as soon as papers are ready to be submitted for signature by the minister. A hard copy of the templates is to be attached to the minister's letter to the Prime Minister.
STATEMENTS OF REASONS FOR THE SENATE
2.40 In order to achieve introduction and passage of a category T bill in the one sitting period, ministers must seek exemption from Senate standing order 111, which provides that the Senate will generally not debate a bill unless the legislation:
- (a) was first introduced in the Parliament in a previous sitting period; and
- (b) in the case of a House-initiated bill, was also received by the Senate before the expiration of two-thirds of the total number of days of the current sitting period (i.e. by the Senate cut-off date, indicated by the scissors on the parliamentary sitting pattern).
2.41 The Senate may consider exempting a bill from the order provided that the Government gives reasons for such exemption.
When is a statement of reasons required?
2.42 Statements are required for all proposed category T bills and are to be submitted with the bid or variation request.
2.43 A statement is also required for the Senate when an exemption from the order is being sought. The statement of reasons is tabled at the same time the notice of motion is given for the exemption from the cut-off. The Legislation Section will contact LLOs in such situations to advise that a statement is required.
Preparation and clearance
2.44 Statements of reasons must be prepared in a form suitable for public release. If there is to be any embargo on the release (e.g. because policy approval has not yet been obtained), this can be noted on the bottom of the statement and in the minister's covering letter.
2.45 Statements of reasons must be clear, concise and compelling to support the urgent consideration of the legislation by the Senate. They must:
- (a) set out:
- (i) the title of the proposed bill;
- (ii) the purpose of the proposed bill;
- (iii) the reasons for the urgency requiring introduction and passage in the same sitting period;
- (iv) the effect if the bill is not dealt with in one sitting period; and
- (v) if appropriate, why the need for the bill was not foreseen;
- ↑ Information is not to be emailed to the Legislation Section via non‑secure links as this does not provide a safe means for transmitting legislative proposals.
