M2011-14 Legislative Program Spring Sittings 2011

To assist in the forward planning of the Government’s Legislative Program, it is necessary that details be provided of those legislative matters which Ministers propose to seek Cabinet approval to introduce into Parliament in the 2011 Spring Sittings.  Ministers’ submissions should include any items that did not pass through all legislative stages by the end of the 2011 Autumn Sittings.

A schedule should be completed for each piece of legislation intended for the Spring Sittings, together with details of the Ministers’ suggested prioritisation. Schedules should be returned to Cabinet Secretariat no later than Friday, 22 July 2011.

In order to ensure the passage of legislation through the Parliament, the deadlines for the receipt of Cabinet Minutes and introduction of Bills for the Spring Sittings are as follows:

• Cabinet Minutes seeking in-principal approval for significant legislative proposals are to be lodged with the Cabinet Secretariat by Friday, 12 August 2011 at the latest.
• Ministers are requested to instruct agencies under their administration to provide drafting instructions to Parliamentary Counsel’s Office within three working days of Cabinet’s in-principal approval.
• All Bills proposed to be introduced into Parliament in the Spring Sittings will need to be drafted and approved for introduction by Cabinet or the Cabinet Standing Committee on Legislation no later than the week commencing Monday, 10 October 2011.

Matters received after this time will not be included in the parliamentary program for the Spring Sittings unless Ministers can make out a case for urgency and gain the formal approval of the Premier. To enable better management of legislative business across the Spring Sittings, Ministers are encouraged to bring forward legislative proposals for Cabinet consideration as early as possible before the above dates.

Ministers are reminded of the “ten day rule” in respect of Cabinet Minutes as set out on page 17 of the Ministerial Handbook, as well as the requirement to consult with central agencies and other affected Ministers and agencies before finalising and lodging a Cabinet Minute (see page 18 of the Ministerial Handbook).

Further details of Cabinet processes and legislative processes are set out in sections two and three of the Ministerial Handbook respectively. A copy of the Ministerial Handbook is available on the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s website. A printed copy will be delivered to each Minister’s Office for reference.

Any enquiries regarding the submission of legislation proposals should be directed to the Branch Manager, Cabinet Secretariat on (02) 9228 4636.