Book Description
The Parliamentary Privileges Act 1891 sets out the contempts of Parliament for which either House may impose a fine according to its Standing Orders and, if the fine is not paid, imprison the offender until it is paid or for a period not exceeding the end of the session. The Legislative Assembly’s Standing Orders set no limit on the fine for such contempts, but place a limit of $100 on the fine for any other contempt. The Assembly’s Procedure and Privileges Committee has recommended that the Assembly should have the power to determine whether any particular act constitutes a contempt and to set the amount of any ensuing fine. It recommends that the power to imprison should be retained, as should the power to expel a member for contempt of Parliament.