Odgers' Australian Senate Practice is a comprehensive guide to the procedure and practice of the Australian Senate. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Parliamentary Procedure: The book covers all aspects of parliamentary procedure, including meetings of the Senate, conduct of proceedings, motions and amendments, debate, voting and divisions, and how the Senate deals with legislation.
- Senate Committees: Extensive chapters are dedicated to Senate committees, the procedures applying to witnesses before Senate committees, and how delegated legislation is managed.
- History and Operation: It is the only comprehensive work on the history and operation of the Senate, providing insights into its practical issues and historical context.
- Australian Context: Unlike earlier editions that were heavily influenced by British parliamentary procedures, the current edition is recognized as a stand-alone authority on Australian parliamentary practice, with minimal references to British procedures and laws unless explicitly adopted or persuasive in Australian courts.
Plot Summary
The book is not a narrative but a procedural guide. It outlines the rules, practices, and procedures that govern the functioning of the Australian Senate. It includes detailed chapters on various aspects of Senate operations, such as:
- Meetings and Proceedings: How the Senate conducts its meetings and the rules governing these proceedings.
- Motions and Amendments: The process of introducing and debating motions and amendments.
- Debate and Voting: The rules and practices surrounding debate and voting within the Senate.
- Legislation: How the Senate deals with legislation, including the stages it goes through and the procedures involved.
- Senate Committees: The role and functioning of Senate committees, including their powers and procedures.
Critical Reception
Odgers' Australian Senate Practice has been highly regarded for its comprehensive coverage and authoritative insights into Australian parliamentary practice. Here are some critical points:
- Enduring Value: The book has been described as an enduring and invaluable text, first published in 1953 and continuously updated to reflect changes in parliamentary procedures.
- Comprehensive Coverage: It is noted for its extensive coverage of practical issues related to the Senate and its committees, making it the only comprehensive work on the history and operation of the Senate.
- Authoritative Source: The book is recognized as an authoritative guide, reflecting the views of the Senate and its current editor, the Clerk of the Senate, Harry Evans.
Overall, Odgers' Australian Senate Practice is a seminal work in Australian parliamentary literature, providing a detailed understanding of the procedures and practices that govern the Australian Senate. Its enduring value and comprehensive coverage make it a crucial resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in Australian parliamentary affairs.