How long does an MP have to research a bill before they can take it to parliament? Thank You!

Thanks for your question John

There are no rules in the Australian Parliament which tell members of parliament how much time they have to research a bill – proposed laws – before they can introduce it to Parliament or how long they must spend researching a bill that has already been introduced into Parliament. Most bills are introduced by ministers and are prepared by government departments. The department would spend as much time as needed to assist the minister to research and prepare a bill.

Members of parliament usually discuss how much time they will spend on a bill before it is introduced into the Parliament. This will depend on how complicated, urgent or controversial the bill is. Parliament often spends weeks or even months when debating a bill. However, an urgent bill can be passed in a matter of days.