MEMORANDUM No. 96 - 15 STATUTE LAW REVISION PROGRAM

This Memorandum replaces Ministerial Memoranda 91-20, 92-6, 92-14, 92-20, 93-9 and 93-26 previously issued on this subject.In line with Cabinet's long-standing approval for a program of regular statute law revision, Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bills will continue to be prepared for each sitting of Parliament (Budget and Spring).To enable the timely preparation of Bills for introduction into the Parliament, the following procedures will now apply:1. Content and Nature of Proposals for Inclusion in BillsThe Bills will continue to contain the following matters only:

minor amendments proposed by government agencies; minor amendments by way of pure statute law revision proposed by the Parliamentary Counsel; and repeals of obsolete or unnecessary Acts, proposed by agencies or the Parliamentary Counsel.

The contents of the Bill must be non-controversial and no more than a minor policy change.2. Procedures for Submission of Proposed AmendmentsAmendments proposed by government agencies must be endorsed by the Minister responsible for the administration of the Act concerned;Request for matters to be included in the Bill should be put in writing to the Parliamentary Counsel. Request should be sent as soon as possible after the need for such an amendment has been identified.Each matter will be assessed initially by the Parliamentary Counsel and then by The Cabinet Office. A matter considered to be unsuitable for the program will not be included in the Bill.3. Deadlines for Submission of Proposals to the Parliamentary Counsel

Budget Session -1 February of each year
Spring Session - 1 September of each year

 

It should be noted that amendments received after the closing date will as a rule be dealt with in a later Bill.

An in-principle Cabinet Minute will be prepared for each Bill as soon as possible after the closing date.Your co-operation in this regard would be appreciated. Any further clarification or queries regarding these matters may be made to Ms Soula Papoulos of the Parliamentary Counsel's Office (9228 8008) or Ms Beth Gibson, the Cabinet Office (9228 4984). 

Bob Carr
Premier 

Issued by: Cabinet Secretariat
Contact Officer: Philip Reed
Telephone: 9228 4636
Date: 21 August 1996