• Printer friendly
• Email this page to a friend
• Subscribe to GNews

Close printer friendly

Glossary of Political Terms

Quick Access: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X,Y,Z

S

SCAG

Standing Committee of Attorneys-General. A ministerial council of first law officers (Attorneys-General).

Second Reading Speech

The speech made by the member in moving a motion that a Bill be read a second time. For government legislation, this is usually the minister in charge of the Bill. The speech explains the policy in the Bill.

Secret Ballot

First introduced in Australia in 1856, a system by which electors are entitled to privacy when casting their votes.

Sergeant-at-Arms

A traditional, ceremonial office in which the incumbent bears the Mace, and assists the Speaker in the Chamber.

Session

A period during the life of a parliament between its opening and prorogation, or in the case of the final session, its dissolution.

Sessional Orders

Orders and resolutions which are renewed at the beginning of each session.

Shadow Cabinet

The leadership group of the Opposition.

Shadow Minister

An Opposition frontbencher who is the party spokesperson for an area of responsibility that matches a minister's portfolio.

Simple Majority

See First Past the Post.

Sitting Day

The daily period when the House meets between the time when the Speaker takes the Chair and the House is adjourned.

Sovereign

See Queen.

Speaker

The chief Presiding Officer of the Parliament, who chairs the debates and maintains order in the House.

Special Public Importance Debate

An hour period set aside once a week for six members, alternately proposed by both Government and Opposition, to debate a topic of public importance.

Standing Orders

The printed rules which regulate procedure, debate and the conduct of Members in the Chamber.

State

State of Queensland; the Crown in the right of Queensland; the land and water within the boundaries of Queensland; the legal entity that may sue or be sued (see Crown Proceedings Act 1980).

Statutes

Acts of Parliament which collectively embody the laws of a nation or state.

Statutory Authority

A government agency established by legislation, which has the legal status of a corporate body with an independent legal existence.

Statutory Instrument

The overall classification for any writing issued under, or deriving its effect from authority conferred by an Act of Parliament, such as proclamations, orders in Council, regulations or rules.

Sub Judice

A convention by which the House excludes debate, motions or questions on any matter awaiting or under adjudication in a court of law.

Subordinate Legislation

Legislation made by a person or body other than the parliament. Defined in the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 section 9.

Suffrage

See Franchise.

Summons and Dissolves Parliament

Requests members to be present in parliament and brings the parliament to an end.

Supply

Financial legislation authorising the government to meets its costs until the annual appropriations are approved by parliament.

Suspension of Member

See Naming of Member.

Suspension of Proceedings

The House by a Notice of Motion or vote may, at any time, suspend the order of Business as laid down by Standing and Sessional Orders to bring on a Motion Without Notice or another item of Business.