Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

The bill transmitted by the Senate gives rise to some important issues in terms of the role and responsibilities of the House of Representatives.

All members have had access to note from the Clerk’s office which goes into the standing orders and practice of the House which in turn reflects the interpretation and application in the House of the constitutional provisions, particularly those set out in sections 53 and 56 of the Constitution.

As I understand it, this bill provides for increases in payments that are funded by means of standing appropriations in the Social Security Administration Act. I understand further that House practice has been that such bills are proposed laws appropriating revenue or moneys, and that they require a message from the Governor-General in accordance with section 56 of the Constitution. I present a copy of the note that has been made available by the Clerk’s office, and I present a copy of a letter that I have received from the Attorney-General, Mr McClelland, on the matter.

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