The stages of a bill in parliament
The member who wishes to propose the new law or legislative amendment introduces the bill to the House. This is known as the first reading. Only the title of the bill is read at the first reading, and copies are distributed for members of parliament to read.
In the second stage, known as the second reading, the member who introduced the bill explains the purpose of, and reasoning for, the proposed law. At this stage, members of the House may ask for further explanation as to the effect of the bill, its costs and the administrative arrangements for the proposed law. Amendments to the bill can also be proposed at this stage. The members then vote on the bill, and if it is passed it proceeds to the third reading.
During the third reading the house is asked to vote on the bill. Once the bill is passed by the house in which it was introduced, it moves to the other house for consideration. Any amendments which have been made appear in the new version of the bill.
See image 2
The progress of the bill in the other house
In the other house, the bill goes through the three reading stages again. If the bill originates in the lower house and is amended by the upper house, the amendments then must be sent back to the House of Representatives for consideration. If the lower house does not agree to the amendments then the bill can be referred to the upper house, where the amendments can be reconsidered.
