IN DEPTH ROLE of senate in law making

Question 1

Act as a house of review

Answer 1

Most bills are initiated in the lower house so the senate (upper house) reviews the bills already passed through the lower house. The senate may pass a bill without amendment, pass it with amendments or reject it. The senate also insist on changes to proposed laws before they are passed into law, therefore the senate acts a house of review

Question 2

Allow for equal representation of the states

Answer 2

At the time of the creation of the commonwealth parliament, the states were afraid to give up to much power. This was especially true for the smaller colonies which did not want larger colonies to hold power in the commonwealth parliament, Section 7 of the constitution provides that each state regardless of population have equal representation.

Question 3

Initiate bills

Answer 3

Similar to the house of representatives, the senate can initiate bills. Although most bills are initiated in the house of representatives, a bill may been introduced in the senate when, for example a minister is a senator and is in charge of a bill

Question 4

Scrutinise bills and government administration

Answer 4

The senate has a number of committees that can scrutinise legislation or particular government activities , legislation or policy as well as government expenditure. This includes the senate standing committee for the scrutiny of bills, individual rights, freedoms and obligations, as well as the rule of law.