21-783: Opposition (36) Crossbench (5) The Parliament of Queensland is the legislature of the Australian State of Queensland . As provided under the Constitution of Queensland , the Parliament consists of the King , represented by the governor , and the Legislative Assembly . It has been the only unicameral state legislature in the country since the upper chamber, the Legislative Council ,
42-565: A bill that has passed the Legislative Assembly, unless otherwise advised by the executive council . The party or coalition with the most seats in the house is invited by the governor to form a government . The leader of that party subsequently becomes the premier of Queensland , leading a Cabinet of ministers. In the Liberal National Party , the premier selects members of their party to act as ministers. In
63-871: A question to a Minister. Starting in 2002, the Queensland Parliament has held regional sittings of parliament across the state. Originally being held every three years, the occurrence has become more sporadic, and, in 2023, the regional sitting took place in Cairns . It was the first sitting since the COVID-19 pandemic , and the second in twelve years. As of 13 September 2024, the composition of Parliament is: Senate House of Rep. Council Assembly Council Assembly Council Assembly Council Assembly Council Assembly Council Assembly Assembly Assembly Opposition (Queensland) The Opposition in
84-489: Is dragged to the chair and presented to the Governor at Government House . The symbol of the authority of the Parliament and its Speaker is the ceremonial mace . The sergeant-at-arms carries the mace into the chamber of parliament when the speaker enters at the start of each sitting day and removes it again when the speaker leaves at the end of the sitting day. During the sitting day, the mace rests on two raised brackets on
105-540: Is mostly ceremonial, however they serve constitutional roles such as, presiding over meetings of the Executive Council, summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament on the advice of the Premier, giving Royal Assent to Bills passed by the Parliament, appointing all ministers of state, appointing and removing officials on the advice of the Executive Council, issuing writs for Queensland State Elections and for
126-549: The 2015 election , four additional seats were added to the Legislative Assembly (to a total of 93), the voting system changed from optional preferential voting to full-preferential voting , and unfixed three-year terms were replaced with fixed four-year terms. The Parliament was founded 22 May 1860, less than a year after the Colony of Queensland was created in June 1859. It was convened at military and convict barracks converted for
147-733: The Australian state of Queensland comprises the largest party or coalition of parties not in Government . The Opposition's purpose is to hold the Government to account and constitute a "Government-in-waiting" should the existing Government fall. To that end, a Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Ministers for the various government departments question the Premier and Ministers on Government policy and administration, and formulate
168-619: The King as well as an oath of office before signing a Roll of Members. This oath or affirmation must be made to the governor or someone authorised by him or her—typically the clerk of the Parliament. Sworn-in representatives are required to elect a Speaker to preside over the House's business. Before this occurs the Clerk may select and point to the next member who may speak. Once elected the Speaker
189-510: The Labor Party , the ministers are elected by party room ballot, with the leader then assigning ministerial portfolios to each one. Once all winning candidates have been declared, the governor of Queensland proclaims a date for the start of the new Parliament. It is the role of the Clerk of the Parliament to call members to attendance. According to the Constitution of Queensland , members of Parliament must swear an oath or affirmation to
210-535: The Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) in 2008, National Leader Lawrence Springborg becoming Leader of the LNP and remaining Leader of the Opposition. Since 8 November 2024, the opposition is currently led by Steven Miles of the Queensland Labor Party following the 2024 Queensland state election . Constitution of Queensland The Constitution of Queensland sets out and regulates
231-498: The governor 's commission, the common law and constitutional conventions also relevant constitutional documents. These constitutional documents set down Queensland as a constitutional monarchy operating under the Westminster system , with a parliament composed of the Legislative Assembly and the King exercising legislative powers, an executive made up of ministers and the premier appointed to act on behalf of
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#1732787651834252-483: The Parliament started broadcasting video of parliamentary proceedings. Nine in-house television cameras are used to record sessions. The first female Speaker , Fiona Simpson was elected on 15 May 2012. The Assembly has 93 members of Parliament (MPs). These are intended to represent approximately the same population in each electorate. Voting is by the full preferential voting system, with elections held approximately once every three years. In April 2016, legislation
273-424: The centre table with the head of the mace lying pointed towards the government's side. The current mace was designed and made in 1978 and is sterling silver with gold plating and is encrusted with 32 Queensland gemstones. Despite being the symbol of Parliament, it is engraved with the words "Government of Queensland". The ceremonial opening of the new Parliament is marked by a speech by the governor. Traditionally
294-645: The governor, and a judiciary made up of the Supreme Court and other lower courts . Following the Federation of Australia , the colony of Queensland became a state within the new Commonwealth of Australia and ceded certain powers to the Commonwealth Government . However, except where valid Commonwealth laws conflict with the laws of Queensland, the Parliament of Queensland retains plenary legislative power The Constitution defines
315-476: The policy the Opposition would pursue in Government. It is sometimes styled " His Majesty's Loyal Opposition " to demonstrate that although it opposes the Government, it remains loyal to the King. At times, the Opposition consisted of more than one party, notably when the Coalition parties (the state Nationals and Liberals ) were in Opposition. Those state parties entered Opposition in 1998 and merged to form
336-553: The powers of the major state institutions of the Australian state of Queensland . It is a written constitution , with most provisions contained within the Constitution of Queensland 2001 (Qld), which consolidated many previous constitutional laws. However, it does not contain all the constitutional principles of the state, with the Constitution Act 1867 (Qld), Australia Act 1986 (Cth) , Australian Constitution ,
357-417: The purpose located on Queen Street, Brisbane . Immigration was an important issue for the early Parliament. Population growth was encouraged with new settlers enticed by land ownership . In 1915, Queensland became the first state to make voting compulsory at state elections. Since 1 April 2003, live audio broadcasts have streamed through the internet from the Parliament while it is in session. In June 2007,
378-458: The speech is written by the new government and it may outline current activities, budget details, statistics and proposed lists of legislation which are intended to be introduced. A day in Parliament usually begins with housekeeping matters, including prayers, notifications and the tabling of any documents. An opportunity is then given to Ministers to make statements. During a period of no more than an hour, known as question time, any member may pose
399-514: The structure, powers and function of the three arms of government: The constitution also defines the role of the governor. Under the constitution, governmental authority is nominally vested in the governor of Queensland (currently Jeannette Young ) on behalf of the Crown and who is appointed by the Monarch (currently Charles III ) on the advice of the Premier of Queensland. The governor's role
420-611: Was abolished in 1922. The Legislative Assembly sits in Parliament House in the state capital, Brisbane . The Queensland Parliament retains plenary legislative power over Queensland, however Commonwealth laws apply to the extent of any inconsistency. Some laws from the colonial era passed by the New South Wales parliament and the Imperial Parliament also remain in force. Following the outcome of
441-462: Was passed to increase the number of seats in the parliament by four to a total of 93. An amendment was also passed to abolish optional preferential voting. A referendum held the previous month was passed, supporting a bill to establish fixed four-year terms. The role of the monarch in Parliament is to give royal assent to legislation. This function is in practice exercised by the governor of Queensland , who conventionally will never refuse assent to
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