The right of initiative

MPs have the right to introduce bills themselves, which are known as “initiative bills”.

They may ask for assistance with drafting a bill, either from the House of Representatives’ Legislation Office or from the ministry responsible for the area that is the object of the bill.

The process of scrutinising initiative bills is similar to that of bills introduced by the Government. While the House of Representatives debates the bill, the MP or MPs who initiated it are seated in the section where cabinet members usually sit to defend a bill. The member of the cabinet concerned is also in attendance as advisor. Other MPs have the right of amendment and may propose changes to the bill. If the House adopts the bill, the MP or MPs who proposed it must also defend the bill in the Senate.