Act No. 2, 1899. An Act to make provision for the acceptance and enactment of a Federal Constitution for Australia. [22nd April, 1899.] E it e n a c t e d by t h e Q u e e n ' s M o s t E x c e l l e n t M a j e s t y , b y a n d w i t h t h e advice a n d c o n s e n t of t h e Legislative C o u n c i l a n d L e g i s l a t i v e A s s e m b l y of N e w S o u t h W a l e s i n P a r l i a m e n t assembled, a n d b y t h e a u t h o r i t y of t h e same, as follows :-- 1. T h i s A c t m a y b e cited as t h e " A u s t r a l a s i a n F e d e r a t i o n Enabling Act, 1899." 2. I n t h i s A c t t h e following t e r m s bear t h e m e a n i n g s set opposite to t h e m respectively :-- " C o l o n i e s " -- T h e Colonies of NEW S o u t h W a l e s , Q u e e n s l a n d , T a s m a n i a , Victoria, a n d W e s t e r n A u s t r a l i a , a n d t h e P r o v i n c e of South A u s t r a l i a , i n c l u d i n g t h e N o r t h e r n T e r r i t o r y . " C o n s t i t u t i o n " -- T h e draft of a F e d e r a l C o n s t i t u t i o n set o u t i n t h e T h i r d Schedule h e r e t o . " P r e s c r i b e d " -- P r e s c r i b e d by Regulation made under this Act. B u t t h i s section shall n o t be d e e m e d to e x t e n d to t h e i n t e r p r e t a tion of a n y t h i n g contained in t h e Second or T h i r d S c h e d u l e h e r e t o . The B The Submission to lite Electors. 3 . (1) A t a t i m e t o b e fixed b y t h e G o v e r n o r by P r o c l a m a t i o n , b u t n o t sooner t h a n e i g h t w e e k s after t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t of this A c t , t h e question of t h e a c c e p t a n c e or r e j e c t i o n of t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n shall be referred a n d s u b m i t t e d t o t h e v o t e of t h e electors. T h e v o t i n g shall be t a k e n t h r o u g h o u t N e w S o u t h Wales as one Electoral District. (2) E a c h voter shall vote by ballot " Y e s " or " N o " on t h e question, in accordance w i t h t h e direction on t h e b a l l o t - p a p e r in t h e First S c h e d u l e h e r e t o , a n d all votes shall be t a k e n on t h e s a m e d a y . (3) N o person shall vote m o r e t h a n once on t h e question, a n d if a n y person votes or a t t e m p t s to v o t e m o r e t h a n once c o n t r a r y to this provision h e shall be liable to a p e n a l t y n o t e x c e e d i n g fifty p o u n d s , or, a t t h e option of t h e C o u r t , to i m p r i s o n m e n t n o t e x c e e d i n g six c a l e n d a r m o n t h s . 4. For t h e p u r p o s e of s u b m i t t i n g t h e q u e s t i o n of t h e a c c e p t a n c e or r e j e c t i o n of t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n to t h e (doctors, t h e G o v e r n o r m a y cause w r i t s t o be issued i n s u c h form a n d addressed in s u c h m a n n e r as h o t h i n k s fit. 5. (1) U p o n t h e t a k i n g of t h e vote of t h e electors as aforesaid, every p e r s o n b e i n g t h e holder of a n E l e c t o r ' s f l i g h t shall be qualified a n d e n t i t l e d to v o t e a t a n y polling-place. (2) E v e r y person c l a i m i n g to v o t e -- (a) S h a l l e x h i b i t to t h e Officer in c h a r g e his E l e c t o r ' s R i g h t . (b) Shall s t a t e his c h r i s t i a n name; a n d s u r n a m e , a n d a n s w e r such questions as t h e R e t u r n i n g Officer m a y r e q u i r e , so as to ascer t a i n t h e g e n u i n e n e s s of t h e E l e c t o r ' s R i g h t produced, a n d t h a t t h e p e r s o n p r o d u c i n g t h e s a m e is t h e person n a m e d t h e r e i n . (3) W h e n t h e R e t u r n i n g Officer h a s seen t h a t t h e n a m e so g i v e n is u p o n t h e E l e c t o r ' s R i g h t , h e m a y , unless satisfied of t h e identity of t h e p e r s o n c l a i m i n g to vote, ask t h e person so c l a i m i n g t h e following questions before d e l i v e r i n g a B a l l o t - p a p e r to h i m , i n addition t o t h e questions p e r m i t t e d in subsection ( 2 ) -- (a) Was t h e E l e c t o r ' s R i g h t y o u n o w e x h i b i t issued to y o u ? (b) H a v e y o u a l r e a d y voted a t t h i s vote of t h e electors ? (4) A n y s u c h person w h o -- (a) S h a l l refuse or o m i t to a n s w e r a n y s u c h q u e s t i o n ; or (b) Shall n o t a n s w e r t h e first q u e s t i o n in t h e affirmative a n d t h e second i n t h e n e g a t i v e -- S h a l l be p r o h i b i t e d from v o t i n g t h e n or thereafter a t s u c h v o t e of t h e electors, a n d shall be liable to a p e n a l t y n o t e x c e e d i n g fifty p o u n d s or to be i m p r i s o n e d for a t e r m n o t e x c e e d i n g six m o n t h s . 6. U p o n t h e t a k i n g of t h e vote of t h e electors as aforesaid, t h e m a j o r i t y of votes shall decide t h e question, a n d if t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n be t h e r e b y rejected no f u r t h e r action shall be t a k e n p u r s u a n t to this A c t . The The Transmission for Legislative Enactment. 7. If t w o Colonies, in a d d i t i o n to N e w S o u t h "Wales, a c c e p t t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n , b o t h H o u s e s of P a r l i a m e n t m a y adopt Addresses t o t h e Q u e e n , p r a y i n g t h a t t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n m a y be passed i n t o law b y t h e I m p e r i a l P a r l i a m e n t u p o n receipt of similar Addresses from t h e P a r l i a m e n t s of t w o s u c h C o l o n i e s ; a n d t h e Addresses so a d o p t e d shall b e f o r t h w i t h t r a n s m i t t e d to t h e Q u e e n , w i t h a certified copy of t h e Constitution. Supplemental. 8. (1) S u b j e c t to t h e provisions of t h i s A c t , t h e G o v e r n o r m a y m a k e r e g u l a t i o n s p r e s c r i b i n g t h e m o d e of s u b m i t t i n g t h e q u e s t i o n of t h e a c c e p t a n c e or r e j e c t i o n of t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n to t h e electors, a n d g e n e r a l l y for t h e purposes of c a r r y i n g i n t o effect t h e provisions of this A c t . (2) A l l s u c h r e g u l a t i o n s shall be p u b l i s h e d in t h e G a z e t t e , a n d on s u c h p u b l i c a t i o n shall h a v e t h e force of l a w ; a n d all s u c h r e g u l a t i o n s shall be laid before b o t h H o u s e s of P a r l i a m e n t w i t h i n f o u r t e e n days after t h e m a k i n g thereof, if P a r l i a m e n t b e t h e n s i t t i n g , or if P a r l i a m e n t b e n o t t h e n s i t t i n g , w i t h i n f o u r t e e n days after t h e n e x t m e e t i n g of P a r l i a m e n t . (3) A n y such r e g u l a t i o n m a y provide for t h e e n f o r c e m e n t thereof b y a p e n a l t y not e x c e e d i n g fifty p o u n d s , or, a t t h e o p t i o n of t h e C o u r t , b y i m p r i s o n m e n t n o t e x c e e d i n g six c a l e n d a r m o n t h s . (4) S u b j e c t to t h e provisions of this A c t , a n d unless a n d u n t i l otherwise prescribed, t h e laws r e l a t i n g to t h e c o n d u c t of elections for t h e L e g i s l a t i v e A s s e m b l y , t h e p r o c e e d i n g s before a n d a t a n d s u b s e q u e n t t o s u c h elections, electoral offences, a n d all i n c i d e n t a l m a t t e r s , shall a p p l y , mutatis mutandis, to t h e p r o c e e d i n g s for s u b m i t t i n g t h e q u e s t i o n of t h e a c c e p t a n c e or rejection of t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n t o t h e electors. 9. P e n a l t i e s imposed by, a n d offences a g a i n s t , t h e provisions of t h i s A c t , or a n y r e g u l a t i o n s m a d e t h e r e u n d e r , m a y b e recovered before, a n d h e a r d a n d d e t e r m i n e d by, a Police or S t i p e n d i a r y M a g i s t r a t e , or a n y t w o J u s t i c e s of t h e P e a c e in P e t t y Sessions. SCHEDULES. THE FIRST Ballot SCHEDULE. Paper. AUSTRALASIAN FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. Are you in favour of t h e proposed F e d e r a l C o n s t i t u t i o n B i l l , as a m e n d e d ? "Yes." " No." If y o u are in favour of t h e Bill, as a m e n d e d , s t r i k e o u t theabove word " N o . " If y o u a r e a g a i n s t t h e Bill, as a m e n d e d , s t r i k e o u t t h e a b o v e word " Y e s . " THE T H E SECOND SCHEDULE. Amendments agreed to at a conference of the Prime Ministers of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and- Western Australia, which sat at Melbourne on the 28th, 30th, and 31st of January, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of February, 1899. N O T E . -- T h e words to be omitted are ruled through; those to be inserted are printed in black letter. Amendment to Clause 7 of the said Draft, Bill. 7. T h e S e n a t e s h a l l he composed of S e n a t o r s for each S t a t e , directly chosen b y t h e people of t h e State, v o t i n g , u n t i l t h e P a r l i a m e n t o t h e r w i s e p r o v i d e s , as one electorate. B u t u n t i l t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h o t h e r w i s e pro v i d e s t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e State of Queensland, if t h a t S t a t e be a n O r i g i n a l State, m a y m a k e l a w s d i v i d i n g t h e S t a t e i n t o d i v i s i o n s a n d d e t e r m i n i n g t h e n u m b e r of Senators to be chosen for each division, and i n t h e absence of s u c h provision t h e State s h a l l be one electorate. U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t o t h e r w i s e provides t h e r e shall be six S e n a t o r s for e a c h O r i g i n a l S t a t e . T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y m a k e laws i n c r e a s i n g or d i m i n i s h i n g t h e n u m b e r of S e n a t o r s for each S t a t e , b u t so t h a t e q u a l r e p r e s e n t a t i o n of t h e several O r i g i n a l S t a t e s shall be m a i n t a i n e d a n d t h a t no O r i g i n a l S t a t e shall h a v e less t h a n six S e n a t o r s . T h e S e n a t o r s shall be chosen for a t e r m of six years, a n d t h e n a m e s of t h e Senators chosen for e a c h S t a t e shall be certified by t h e G o v e r n o r to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l . Amendments to Clause 57 of the said Draft Bill. 57. If t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s passes a n y proposed law a n d t h e Senate rejects or fails to pass it, or passes it w i t h a m e n d m e n t s t o w h i c h t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s will n o t agree, a n d if after a n i n t e r v a l of t h r e e m o n t h s t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , in t h e s a m e or t h e n e x t session, a g a i n passes t h e proposed law w i t h or w i t h o u t a n y a m e n d m e n t s w h i c h h a v e been m a d e , s u g g e s t e d , or a g r e e d to b y t h e S e n a t e , a n d t h e S e n a t e rejects or fails to pass it, or passes it w i t h a m e n d m e n t s to w h i c h t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s will n o t agree, t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a y dissolve t h e S e n a t e a n d t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n tatives simultaneously. B u t s u c h dissolution shall n o t t a k e place w i t h i n six m o n t h s before t h e date of t h e e x p i r y of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s b y effluxion of t i m e . If If after such dissolution t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s a g a i n passes t h e proposed law w i t h or w i t h o u t a n y a m e n d m e n t s w h i c h h a v e b e e n m a d e , suggested, or a g r e e d to b y t h e S e n a t e , a n d t h e S e n a t e r e j e c t s or fails t o pass it, or passes it w i t h a m e n d m e n t s to w h i c h t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s will n o t agree, t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a y c o n v e n e a j o i n t s i t t i n g of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e S e n a t e a n d of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . The members present at the joint sitting m a y deliberate and shall v o t e t o g e t h e r u p o n t h e proposed law as last proposed b y t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , a n d u p o n a m e n d m e n t s , if a n y , w h i c h h a v e b e e n m a d e t h e r e i n by one H o u s e a n d n o t agreed t o b y t h e other, a n d a n y s u c h a m e n d m e n t s w h i c h a r e affirmed b y three fifths of the members present and voting thereon a n absolute m a j o r i t y of t h e t o t a l n u m b e r of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e Senate a n d H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall be t a k e n to h a v e b e e n carried, a n d if t h e proposed law, w i t h t h e a m e n d m e n t s , if a n y , so carried is affirmed b y three fifths of the members present and voting thereon an absolute m a j o r i t y of t h e t o t a l n u m b e r of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e Senate a n d H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , it shall be t a k e n to h a v e b e e n d u l y passed b y b o t h H o u s e s of T h e P a r l i a m e n t , a n d shall be p r e s e n t e d to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l for t h e Q u e e n ' s assent. Amendment to Clause 87 of the said Draft Bill. 87. D u r i n g a period of t e n y e a r s after t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , a n d thereafter u n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t o t h e r w i s e p r o v i d e s , of t h e n e t r e v e n u e of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h from d u t i e s of c u s t o m s a n d of excise, n o t m o r e t h a n one-fourth shall be applied a n n u a l l y b y t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h t o w a r d s its e x p e n d i t u r e . T h e b a l a n c e shall, in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n , b e paid to t h e several States, or applied t o w a r d s t h e p a y m e n t of i n t e r e s t on d e b t s of t h e several States t a k e n over b y t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . New clause (Clause to be inserted after clause 95 of the said Draft to be amended). Bill. 96 of the Bill as proposed D u r i n g a period of t e n y e a r s after t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h a n d thereafter u n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t o t h e r w i s e provides, T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y g r a n t financial assistance to a n y State on s u c h t e r m s a n d c o n d i t i o n s as T h e P a r l i a m e n t t h i n k s fit. Amendment {Clause to clause 122 of the said as proposed Draft Bill. amended). 123 of the Bill to be 122. T h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h m a y , w i t h t h e c o n s e n t of t h e P a r l i a m e n t of a S t a t e , a n d t h e a p p r o v a l of t h e m a j o r i t y of of the electors of the State voting upon the question, increase, diminish, or otherwise alter the limits of the State, upon such terms and condi tions as may he agreed on, and may, with the like consent, make provision respecting the effect and operation of any increase or diminution or alteration of territory in relation to any State affected. Omission of clause 124 of the said Draft Bill and substitution of a new clause-- 1 2 4 . T h e seat of Goverment of the Commonweath shall be determined by The Parliament and shall be within territory vested in the Commonwealth. Until such determination The Pairliament shall be summoned to meet at such place within t h eCommonweathasamajorityoftheGovernors of the States or in the event of an equal division of opinion among the Governors as the Governor General shall direct. (Clause 125 of the Bill as proposed to be amended). The seat of Government of the Commonwealth shall he deter mined by The Parliament and shall be within territory which shall have been granted to or acquired by the Commonwealth and shall be vested in and belong to the Commonwealth, and if New South Wales be an Original State shall be in that State and be distant not less than one hundred miles from Sydney. Such territory shall contain an area of not less than one hundred square miles, and such portion thereof as shall consist of Crown lands shall be granted to the Commonwealth without any payment therefor. If Victoria be an Original State The Parliament shall sit at Melbourne until it meets at the seat of Government. Amendments to Clause 127 of the said Draft Bill. ( Clause 128 of the Bill as proposed to be amended). 127. This Constitution shall not he altered except in the following manner:-- The proposed law for the alteration thereof must be passed by an absolute majority of each House of the Parliament, and not less than two nor more than six months after its passage through both Houses the proposed law shall he submitted in each State to the electors qualified to vote for the election of Members of the House of Representatives. But if either House passes any such proposed law by an absolute majority and the other House rejects or fails to pass it or passes it with any amendment to which the first-mentioned House will will not agree, and if after an interval of three months the firstmentioned House in the same or the next Session again passes the proposed l a w b y an absolute majority w i t h or w i t h o u t a n y amendment w h i c h has been made or agreed to b y the other House, and such other House rejects or fails to pass it, or passes it w i t h a n y amendment to w h i c h the first-mentioned House w i l l not agree, the Governor-General m a y submit the proposed l a w as last proposed b y the first-mentioned House and either w i t h or w i t h o u t any amendments subsequently agreed to b y both Houses to the electors in each State qualified to vote for the election of the House of Representatives. W h e n a proposed l a w is submitted to the electors t h e vote shall be t a k e n in such m a n n e r as T h e P a r l i a m e n t prescribes. B u t u n t i l t h e qualification of electors of m e m b e r s of t h e House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s b e c o m e s u n i f o r m t h r o u g h o u t t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h only one-half t h e electors v o t i n g for a n d a g a i n s t t h e proposed law shall be c o u n t e d in a n y S t a t e in w h i c h a d u l t suffrage prevails. A n d if in a m a j o r i t y of t h e S t a t e s a m a j o r i t y of t h e electors v o t i n g a p p r o v e t h e proposed law, a n d if a m a j o r i t y of all t h e electors v o t i n g also a p p r o v e t h e proposed law, it shall be p r e s e n t e d to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l for t h e Q u e e n ' s assent. An N o a l t e r a t i o n d i m i n i s h i n g t h e p r o p o r t i o n a t e r e p r e s e n t a t i o n of any S t a t e in e i t h e r House of T h e P a r l i a m e n t , or t h e m i n i m u m n u m b e r of r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of a S t a t e in t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , or increasing, diminishing, or otherwise altering the l i m i t s of the State, or in any manner affecting the provisions of the Constitution in relation thereto, shall not become law u n l e s s t h e m a j o r i t y of t h e electors v o t i n g in t h a t S t a t e a p p r o v e t h e proposed law. THE THIRD The Bill drafted by the Federal as indicated in the SCHEDULE. Convention Second of 1897-8, amended Schedule. DRAFT OF A BILL T o C o n s t i t u t e t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h of Australia. H E R E A S t h e people of [here name adopted the Constitution], humbly A l m i g h t y God, h a v e agreed to u n i t e in one m o n w e a l t h u n d e r t h e C r o w n of t h e U n i t e d and Ireland, and under the Constitution W the Colonics which have r e l y i n g on t h e blessing of indissoluble F e d e r a l Com K i n g d o m of G r e a t B r i t a i n h e r e b y established : A n d whereas w h e r e a s it is e x p e d i e n t to p r o v i d e for t h e admission i n t o t h e Com m o n w e a l t h of o t h e r A u s t r a l a s i a n Colonies a n d possessions of t h e Q u e e n : B e it t h e r e f o r e e n a c t e d b y t h e Q u e e n ' s Most E x c e l l e n t Majesty, by a n d with t h e advice a n d c o n s e n t of t h e L o r d s S p i r i t u a l a n d T e m p o r a l , a n d C o m m o n s , in t h e p r e s e n t P a r l i a m e n t assembled, a n d by t h e a u t h o r i t y of t h e s a m e , as follows :-- I . T h i s A c t m a y be cited as The Constitution Act. Commonwealth of Australia I I . This A c t shall bind t h e Crown, a n d its provisions referring to t h e Q u e e n shall e x t e n d to H e r Majesty's H e i r s a n d Successors in t h e Sovereignty of t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m . I I I . I t shall be lawful for t h e Q u e e n , w i t h t h e advice of t h e P r i v y C o u n c i l , to declare by P r o c l a m a t i o n t h a t , on a n d after a day t h e r e i n appointed, n o t b e i n g later t h a n one y e a r after t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t , t h e people of [here name the Colonics which have adopted the C o n s t i t u t i o n ] shall be u n i t e d in a F e d e r a l C o m m o n w e a l t h u n d e r t h e n a m e of " T h e C o m m o n w e a l t h of A u s t r a l i a . " But the Queen may, a t a n y t i m e after t h e P r o c l a m a t i o n , a p p o i n t a G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l for the Commonwealth. I V . T h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall be established, a n d t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall t a k e effect on a n d after t h e day so appointed. B u t t h e P a r l i a m e n t s of t h e several Colonies m a y a t a n y t i m e after t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t m a k e a n y s u c h laws, to c o m e i n t o o p e r a t i o n on t h e day so a p p o i n t e d , as t h e y m i g h t h a v e m a d e if t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n h a d t a k e n effect at t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t . V. T h i s A c t , a n d all laws m a d e b y T h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h u n d e r t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n , shall be b i n d i n g on t h e Courts, J u d g e s , a n d people, of e v e r y S t a t e , a n d of every p a r t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g a n y t h i n g in t h e laws of a n y S t a t e ; a n d t h e laws of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall be i n force on all B r i t i s h ships, t h e Q u e e n ' s ships of w a r e x c e p t e d , whose first p o r t of clearance a n d whose p o r t of destination a r e in t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . V I . " T h e C o m m o n w e a l t h " shall m e a n t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h of A u s t r a l i a as established u n d e r this A c t . " Colony " shall m e a n a n y colony or p r o v i n c e . " T h e S t a t e s " shall m e a n such of t h e colonies of N e w S o u t h W a l e s , N e w Zealand, Q u e e n s l a n d , T a s m a n i a , Victoria, W e s t e r n A u s t r a l i a , a n d S o u t h A u s t r a l i a , i n c l u d i n g t h e N o r t h e r n Territory of S o u t h A u s t r a l i a , as for t h e t i m e b e i n g a r c p a r t s of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , a n d such Colonies or Territories as m a y be a d m i t t e d i n t o or established b y t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h as S t a t e s ; a n d each of such p a r t s of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall be called a " S t a t e . " " O r i g i n a l States " shall m e a n such States as a r e p a r t s of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h a t its e s t a b l i s h m e n t . VII. VII. The Federal Council of Australasia Act 1885 is hereby repealed, b u t so as n o t to affect a n y laws passed b y t h e F e d e r a l C o u n c i l of A u s t r a l a s i a a n d i n force a t t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . A n y s u c h law m a y be r e p e a l e d as to a n y S t a t e b y T h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , or as to a n y colony n o t b e i n g a S t a t e b y t h e P a r l i a m e n t thereof. V I I I . A f t e r t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t t h e Colonial Boundaries Act 1895 shall n o t a p p l y to a n y colony w h i c h becomes a S t a t e of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h ; b u t t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall be t a k e n to be a selfg o v e r n i n g colony for t h e purposes of t h a t A c t . IX. T h e C o n s t i t u t i o n of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall bo as follows:-- THE CONSTITUTION. This C o n s t i t u t i o n is divided as f o l l o w s : -- CHAPTER PART PART PART PART CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER I.--THE PARLIAMENT: I.--General: I I . -- T h e Senate : I V . -- B o t h H o u s e s of T h e P a r l i a m e n t : V . -- P o w e r s of T h e P a r l i a m e n t : II.--THE EXECUTIVE III.--THE V.--THE GOVERNMENT. JUDICATURE: STATES: PART I I I . -- T h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s : IV.--FINANCE AND TRADE : V I . -- N E W STATES : VII.--MISCELLANEOUS: OF THE CONSTI CHAPTER VIII.--ALTERATION TUTION. THE SCHEDULE. CHAPTER THE I. PARLIAMENT. PART I . -- G E N E R A L . 1. T h e legislative p o w e r of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall be vested i n a F e d e r a l P a r l i a m e n t , w h i c h shall consist of t h e Q u e e n , a S e n a t e , a n d a H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , a n d w h i c h is h e r e i n a f t e r called " T h e P a r l i a m e n t , " or " T h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . " 2. 2. A G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l appointed b y t h e Q u e e n shall be H e r M a j e s t y ' s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e in t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , a n d shall h a v e a n d m a y exercise in t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h d u r i n g t h e Q u e e n ' s pleasure, b u t subject to this Constitution, s u c h powers a n d functions of t h e Q u e e n as H e r M a j e s t y m a y be pleased to assign to h i m . 3. T h e r e shall R e v e n u e F u n d of t h e General, an annual provides, shall be ten T h e salary of a c o n t i n u a n c e in office. be p a y a b l e to t h e Q u e e n out of t h e Consolidated C o m m o n w e a l t h , for t h e salary of t h e Governors u m which, u n t i l t h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise thousand pounds. G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l shall n o t be a l t e r e d d u r i n g his 4. T h e provisions of t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n r e l a t i n g t o t h e GovernorGeneral e x t e n d and apply to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l for t h e t i m e b e i n g , or such person as t h e Q u e e n m a y a p p o i n t to a d m i n i s t e r t h e Govern m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h ; b u t n o s u c h person s h a l l be e n t i t l e d t o receive a n y salary from t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h in respect of a n y o t h e r office; d u r i n g his administration of t h e G o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n wealth. 5. T h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a y a p p o i n t s u c h t i m e s for h o l d i n g t h e sessions of T h e P a r l i a m e n t as h e t h i n k s fit, a n d m a y also from t i m e to t i m e , b y P r o c l a m a t i o n or otherwise, p r o r o g u e T h e P a r l i a m e n t , a n d m a y in like m a n n e r dissolve t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . After a n y g e n e r a l election T h e P a r l i a m e n t shall be s u m m o n e d to m e e t not later t h a n t h i r t y days after t h e d a y a p p o i n t e d for t h e r e t u r n of t h e writs. T h e P a r l i a m e n t shall be s u m m o n e d to m e e t not l a t e r t h a n six m o n t h s after t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . 6. There shall b e a session of T h e P a r l i a m e n t once a t least in every year, so t h a t twelve m o n t h s shall n o t i n t e r v e n e b e t w e e n t h e last s i t t i n g of T h e P a r l i a m e n t in one session a n d its first s i t t i n g in t h e n e x t session. PART I I . -- T H E SENATE. 7. T h e Senate shall be composed of senators for e a c h S t a t e , directly chosen b y t h e people of t h e State, v o t i n g , u n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, as one electorate. B u t u n t i l t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h o t h e r w i s e provides t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e S t a t e of Q u e e n s l a n d , if t h a t S t a t e be a n O r i g i n a l State, m a y m a k e laws dividing t h e S t a t e i n t o divisions a n d d e t e r m i n i n g t h e n u m b e r of senators t o b e chosen for e a c h division, a n d in t h e absence of s u c h provision t h e S t a t e shall b e one electorate. Until T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, t h e r e shall b e six senators for each O r i g i n a l State. T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y m a k e laws i n c r e a s i n g or d i m i n i s h i n g t h e n u m b e r of senators for e a c h State, b u t so so t h a t e q u a l r e p r e s e n t a t i o n of t h e several O r i g i n a l States shall b e m a i n t a i n e d a n d t h a t no O r i g i n a l S t a t e shall h a v e less t h a n six senators. T h e senators shall be chosen for a t e r m of six years, a n d t h e n a m e s of t h e senators chosen for each S t a t e shall be certified b y t h e G o v e r n o r to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l . 8. T h e qualification of electors of senators shall be in each S t a t e t h a t w h i c h is prescribed by this Constitution, or by T h e P a r l i a m e n t , as t h e qualification for electors of m e m b e r s of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , b u t in t h e choosing of s e n a t o r s each elector shall vote only once. 9. T h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h m a y m a k e laws p r e s c r i b i n g t h e m e t h o d of choosing senators, b u t so t h a t t h e m e t h o d shall be u n i f o r m for all t h e States. Subject to a n y such law, t h e P a r l i a m e n t of each S t a t e m a y m a k e laws p r e s c r i b i n g t h e m e t h o d of choosing t h e senators for t h a t S t a t e . T h e P a r l i a m e n t of a S t a t e m a y m a k e laws for d e t e r m i n i n g t h e t i m e s a n d places of elections of s e n a t o r s for t h e S t a t e . 10. U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, b u t subject to t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n , t h e l a w s in force i n each S t a t e , for t h e t i m e being, r e l a t i n g to elections for t h e more n u m e r o u s H o u s e of t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e S t a t e shall, as n e a r l y as p r a c t i c a b l e , a p p l y t o elections of s e n a t o r s for t h e State. 11. T h e Senate m a y proceed to t h e d e s p a t c h of business, n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g t h e failure of a n y State to provide for its r e p r e s e n t a t i o n in t h e S e n a t e . 12. T h e G o v e r n o r of a n y S t a t e m a y cause writs to be issued for elections of senators for t h e State. I n case of t h e dissolution of t h e S e n a t e t h e w r i t s shall be issued w i t h i n t e n days from t h e p r o c l a m a t i o n of s u c h dissolution. 13. A s soon as m a y be after t h e S e n a t e first m e e t s a n d after each first m e e t i n g of t h e Senate following a dissolution thereof, t h e S e n a t e shall divide t h e senators chosen for each S t a t e into t w o classes, as n e a r l y e q u a l in n u m b e r as p r a c t i c a b l e : a n d t h e places of t h e senators of t h e first class shall b e c o m e v a c a n t a t t h e e x p i r a t i o n of t h e t h i r d year, a n d t h e places of those of t h e second class a t t h e expiration of t h e s i x t h year, from t h e b e g i n n i n g of t h e i r t e r m of s e r v i c e ; a n d a f t e r w a r d s t h e places of senators shall b e c o m e v a c a n t at t h e e x p i r a t i o n of six y e a r s from t h e b e g i n n i n g of t h e i r t e r m of service. T h e election to fill v a c a n t places shall be m a d e i n t h e y e a r a t t h e e x p i r a t i o n of w h i c h t h e places are to b e c o m e v a c a n t . F o r t h e p u r p o s e s of this section t h e t e r m of service of a s e n a t o r s h a l l b e t a k e n to b e g i n on t h e first day of J a n u a r y following t h e day of his election, except i n t h e cases of t h e first election a n d of t h e election n e x t after a n y dissolution of t h e Senate, w h e n it shall be t a k e n to b e g i n on t h e first day of J a n u a r y p r e c e d i n g t h e day of his election. 14. 14. Whenever the number of senators tor a State is increased or diminished, The Parliament of the Commonwealth may make such provision for the vacating of the places of senators for the State as it deems necessary to maintain regularity in the rotation. 15. I f the place of a senator becomes vacant before the expira tion of his term of service the Houses of Parliament of the State for which he was chosen shall, sitting and voting together, choose a person to hold the place until the expiration of the term, or until the election of a successor as hereinafter provided, whichever first happens. But if the Houses of Parliament of the State are not in session at the time when the vacancy is notified, the Governor of the State, with the advice of the Executive Council thereof, may appoint a person to hold the place until the expiration of fourteen days after the begin ning of the next session of the Parliament of the State, or until the election of a successor, whichever first happens. A t the next general election of members of the J louse of Representatives, or at the next election of senators for the State, whichever first happens, a successor shall, if the term has not then expired, be chosen to hold the place from the date of his election until the expiration of the term. The name of any senator so chosen or appointed shall be certi fied by the Governor of the State to the Governor-General. 16. The qualifications of a senator shall be the same as those of a member of the House of Representatives. 17. The Senate shall, before proceeding to the despatch of any other business, choose a senator to be the President of the Senate; and as often as the office of President becomes vacant the Senate shall again choose a senator to be the President. The President shall cease to hold his office if he ceases to be a senator. H e may be removed from office by a vote of the Senate, or he may resign his office or his seat by writing addressed to the Governor-General. 18. Before or during any absence of the President, the Senate may choose a senator to perform his duties in his absence. 19. A senator may, by writing, addressed to the President, or to the Governor- General if there is no President, or if the President is absent from the Commonwealth, resign his place, which thereupon shall become vacant. 20. The place of a senator shall become vacant if for two consecutive months of any session of The Parliament he, without the permission of the Senate, fails to attend the Senate. 21. Whenever a vacancy happens in the Senate the President, or if there is no President, or if the President is absent from the Commonwealth, the Governor-General shall notify the same to the Governor of the State in the representation of which the vacancy has happened. 22. B 22. U n t i l t h e P a r l i a m e n t o t h e r w i s e provides, t h e presence of a t least o n e - t h i r d of t h e -whole n u m b e r of t h e senators shall be necessary t o c o n s t i t u t e a m e e t i n g of t h e S e n a t e for t h e exercise of its p o w e r s . 28. Q u e s t i o n s arising in t h e S e n a t e shall be d e t e r m i n e d b y a m a j o r i t y of votes, a n d each s e n a t o r shall h a v e one vote. The P r e s i d e n t shall i n all cases be e n t i t l e d to a v o t e ; a n d w h e n t h e v o t e s a r e e q u a l t h e q u e s t i o n shall pass in t h e n e g a t i v e . PART I I I . -- T H E HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 24. T h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall be composed of m e m bers directly chosen b y t h e people of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , a n d t h e n u m b e r of s u c h m e m b e r s shall be, as n e a r l y as p r a c t i c a b l e , t w i c e t h e n u m b e r of t h e s e n a t o r s . T h e n u m b e r of m e m b e r s chosen in t h e several States shall be i n p r o p o r t i o n to t h e respective n u m b e r s of t h e i r people, and shall, u n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t o t h e r w i s e provides, be d e t e r m i n e d , w h e n e v e r necessary, in t h e following m a n n e r : -- I. A q u o t a shall be ascertained b y d i v i d i n g t h e n u m b e r of t h e people of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , as s h o w n by t h e latest statistics of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , b y twice t h e n u m b e r of t h e senators, II. T h e n u m b e r of m e m b e r s to be c h o s e n in each S t a t e shall be d e t e r m i n e d b y d i v i d i n g t h e n u m b e r of t h e people of t h e State, as s h o w n b y t h e latest statistics of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , b y t h e q u o t a ; a n d if on s u c h division t h e r e is a r e m a i n d e r g r e a t e r t h a n one-half of t h e q u o t a , one m o r e m e m b e r shall be chosen i n t h e S t a t e . B u t n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g a n y t h i n g in t h i s section, five m e m b e r s a t least s h a l l be chosen in each O r i g i n a l S t a t e . 25. F o r t h e p u r p o s e s of t h e last section, if b y t h e l a w of a n y S t a t e all persons of a n y race a r e disqualified from v o t i n g a t elections for t h e m o r e n u m e r o u s H o u s e of t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e S t a t e , t h e n , i n r e c k o n i n g t h e n u m b e r of t h e people of t h e S t a t e or of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , persons of t h a t race resident in t h a t S t a t e shall n o t be c o u n t e d . 26. N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g a n y t h i n g in section 24, t h e n u m b e r of m e m b e r s to be chosen i n each S t a t e at t h e first election shall be as follows: [To be determined according to latest statistical returns at the date of the passing of the Act, to in previous sections.] and in relation to the quota referred 27. Subject to this C o n s t i t u t i o n , T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y m a k e laws for i n c r e a s i n g or d i m i n i s h i n g t h e n u m b e r of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . 28. E v e r y House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall c o n t i n u e for t h r e e years from t h e first m e e t i n g of t h e H o u s e , a n d no l o n g e r , b u t m a y be sooner dissolved b y t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l . 29. 29. U n t i l t h e P a r l i a m e n t of T h e C o m m o n w e a l t h otherwise provides, t h e P a r l i a m e n t of a n y S t a t e m a y m a k e laws for d e t e r m i n i n g t h e divisions in each State for w h i c h m e m b e r s of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e sentatives m a y be chosen, a n d t h e n u m b e r of m e m b e r s to be chosen for each division. A division shall n o t be formed o u t of p a r t s of different States. I n t h e absence of other provision, each S t a t e shall bo one electorate. 30. U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, t h e qualification of electors of m e m b e r s of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall be i n each S t a t e t h a t w h i c h is prescribed by t h e law of t h e S t a t e as t h e qualifica tion of electors of t h e m o r e n u m e r o u s H o u s e of t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e S t a t e ; b u t i n t h e choosing of m e m b e r s each elector shall vote only once. 3 1 . U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, b u t subject to t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n , t h e laws in. force in each S t a t e for t h e t i m e b e i n g r e l a t i n g to elections for tin; m o r e n u m e r o u s H o u s e of t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e S t a t e shall, as n e a r l y as practicable, a p p l y to elections in t h e S t a t e of m e m b e r s of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . 32. T h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l in Council m a y cause writs to be issued for g e n e r a l elections of m e m b e r s of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . After t h e first g e n e r a l election, t h e writs shall b e issued w i t h i n t e n d a y s from t h e expiry of a H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , or from t h e p r o c l a m a t i o n of a dissolution thereof. 3 3 . W h e n e v e r a v a c a n c y happens in t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a tives, t h e S p e a k e r shall issue his w r i t for the election of a n e w m e m b e r , or if t h e r e is n o Speaker, or if he is a b s e n t from the C o m m o n w e a l t h , t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l i n Council, m a y issue t h e writ. 34. U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, t h e qualifications of a m e m b e r of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall be as f o l l o w s : -- I. He m u s t be of t h e full age of t w e n t y - o n e years, a n d m u s t be a n elector entitled to vote a t t h e election of m e m b e r s of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , or a person qualified to b e c o m e s u c h elector, a n d m u s t h a v e been for t h r e e years a t t h e least a resident w i t h i n t h e limits of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h as e x i s t i n g a t t h e t i m e w h e n he is chosen : II . He m u s t be a subject of t h e Q u e e n , e i t h e r n a t u r a l - b o r n or for a t least five y e a r s n a t u r a l i s e d u n d e r a l a w of t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m , or of a Colony w h i c h h a s become or becomes a S t a t e , or of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , or of a S t a t e . 3 5 . T h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall, before p r o c e e d i n g to t h e despatch of a n y o t h e r business, choose a m e m b e r t o be t h e Speaker of t h e H o u s e , a n d as often as t h e office of Speaker becomes v a c a n t t h e H o u s e shall a g a i n choose a m e m b e r to be t h e Speaker. T h e S p e a k e r shall cease to hold his office if h e ceases t o b e a m e m b e r . H e m a y be removed from office by a vote of t h e H o u s e , or h e m a y resign his office or his seat by w r i t i n g addressed to t h e Governor-General. 36. 36. Before or d u r i n g a n y absence of t h e Speaker, t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s m a y choose a m e m b e r to perform his duties i n h i s absence. 37. A m e m b e r m a y b y w r i t i n g addressed to t h e Speaker, or to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l if t h e r e is no S p e a k e r or if t h e S p e a k e r is a b s e n t from t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , r e s i g n his place, w h i c h t h e r e u p o n shall become v a c a n t . 38. T h e place of a m e m b e r shall become v a c a n t if for t w o consecutive m o n t h s of a n y session of The P a r l i a m e n t h e , w i t h o u t t h e permission of t h e H o u s e , fails to a t t e n d t h e H o u s e . 39. U n t i l The P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, t h e presence of a t least o n e - t h i r d of the whole n u m b e r of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall be necessary to c o n s t i t u t e a m e e t i n g of t h e H o u s e for t h e exercise of its powers. 40. Q u e s t i o n s arising in t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall be d e t e r m i n e d b y a m a j o r i t y of votes o t h e r t h a n t h a t of t h e S p e a k e r . T h e S p e a k e r shall not vote unless t h e n u m b e r s are e q u a l , a n d t h e n h e shall h a v e a c a s t i n g - v o t e . PART I V . -- B O T H HOUSES OF THE PARLIAMENT. 4 1 . N o a d u l t person who h a s or a c q u i r e s a r i g h t to vote a t elections for t h e m o r e n u m e r o u s H o u s e of t h e P a r l i a m e n t of a S t a t e , shall, while t h e r i g h t c o n t i n u e s , be p r e v e n t e d b y a n y law of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h from v o t i n g at elections for e i t h e r House of T h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . 42. E v e r y senator a n d every m e m b e r of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall before t a k i n g his seat m a k e a n d subscribe before t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l , or some person a u t h o r i s e d b y h i m , a n o a t h or affirmation of allegiance in t h e form set forth in t h e Schedule. 4 3 . A m e m b e r of either H o u s e of T h e P a r l i a m e n t shall b e i n c a p a b l e of b e i n g chosen or of s i t t i n g as a m e m b e r of t h e o t h e r H o u s e . 44. A n y person w h o -- I. I s u n d e r a n y a c k n o w l e d g m e n t of allegiance, obedience, or a d h e r e n c e to a foreign power, or is a subject or a citizen or e n t i t l e d to the r i g h t s or privileges of a subject or a citizen of a foreign power : or II. I s a t t a i n t e d of treason, or has been convicted a n d is u n d e r sentence, or s u b j e c t to be s e n t e n c e d , for a n y offence p u n i s h able u n d e r t h e law of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h or of a S t a t e b v i m p r i s o n m e n t for one year or l o n g e r : or III. I s a n u n d i s c h a r g e d b a n k r u p t or i n s o l v e n t : or IV. H o l d s a n y office of profit u n d e r t h e Crown, or a n y pension p a y a b l e d u r i n g t h e p l e a s u r e of t h e Crown o u t of a n y of t h e r e v e n u e s of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : or v. V. H a s a n y direct or indirect p e c u n i a r y i n t e r e s t in a n y a g r e e m e n t w i t h t h e p u b l i c service of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , o t h e r w i s e t h a n as a m e m b e r a n d in c o m m o n w i t h t h e o t h e r m e m b e r s of a n i n c o r p o r a t e d c o m p a n y consisting of m o r e t h a n twenty-five persons: shall be i n c a p a b l e of b e i n g chosen or of s i t t i n g as a senator or as a m e m b e r of t h e House; of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . B u t subsection IV does n o t a p p l y to t h e office of a n y of the Q u e e n ' s M i n i s t e r s of S t a t e for t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , or of a n y of t h e Q u e e n ' s M i n i s t e r s for a State, or to t h e receipt of pay, half-pay, or a p e n s i o n b y a n y person as a n officer or m e m b e r of t h e Q u e e n ' s n a v y or a r m y , or to t h e receipt of p a y as a n officer or m e m b e r of t h e naval or m i l i t a r y forces of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h by a n y person whose services are n o t wholly e m p l o y e d by t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . 45. If a senator or m e m b e r of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s -- I. Becomes subject to a n y of t h e disabilities m e n t i o n e d in t h e last preceding section : or II . T a k e s t h e benefit, w h e t h e r by a s s i g n m e n t , composition, or o t h e r w i s e , of a n y law r e l a t i n g to b a n k r u p t or insolvent d e b t o r s : or III. D i r e c t l y or i n d i r e c t l y t a k e s or agrees to t a k e a n y fee or h o n o r a r i u m for services r e n d e r e d to t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , or for services r e n d e r e d in T h e P a r l i a m e n t to a n y person or S t a t e : his place shall t h e r e u p o n b e c o m e v a c a n t . 46. U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, a n y person declared b y this C o n s t i t u t i o n to be i n c a p a b l e of s i t t i n g as a senator or as a m e m b e r of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall, for every d a y o n w hich h e so sits, be liable to p a y t h e s u m of one h u n d r e d p o u n d s to a n y person w h o sues for it in a n y c o u r t of c o m p e t e n t jurisdiction. 4 7 . U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, a n y question r e s p e c t i n g t h e qualification of a senator or of a m e m b e r of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , or r e s p e c t i n g a v a c a n c y i n either H o u s e of T h e P a r l i a m e n t , a n d a n y question of a disputed election to e i t h e r H o u s e , shall be d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e House in w h i c h t h e question arises. 4 8 . U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, e a c h senator a n d each m e m b e r of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall receive a n allowance of P o u r H u n d r e d P o u n d s a year, to be r e c k o n e d from t h e day on w h i c h h e t a k e s his seat. 49. T h e p o w e r s , privileges, a n d i m m u n i t i e s of t h e S e n a t e and of t h e House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , a n d of t h e m e m b e r s a n d t h e com m i t t e e s of each House, shall be s u c h as are declared by T h e P a r l i a m e n t , a n d u n t i l declared shall be those of t h e C o m m o n s H o u s e of P a r l i a m e n t of t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m , a n d of its m e m b e r s a n d c o m m i t t e e s , a t t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . 50. 50. E a c h H o u s e of T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y m a k e r u l e s a n d orders w i t h respect t o -- I. T h e m o d e in w h i c h its powers, privileges, a n d i m m u n i t i e s m a y be exercised a n d u p h e l d : II. T h e order a n d c o n d u c t of its business a n d proceedings e i t h e r s e p a r a t e l y or j o i n t l y with t h e o t h e r H o u s e . PART V . -- P O W E R S OF THE PARLIAMENT. 5 1 . T h e P a r l i a m e n t shall, subject to this C o n s t i t u t i o n , h a v e p o w e r to m a k e laws for t h e peace, order, a n d good g o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , w i t h respect to :-- I. T r a d e a n d c o m m e r c e w i t h o t h e r c o u n t r i e s , a n d a m o n g t h e States: II. T a x a t i o n ; but so as not to d i s c r i m i n a t e b e t w e e n States or p a r t s of S t a t e s : III. B o u n t i e s on t h e p r o d u c t i o n or e x p o r t of goods, b u t so t h a t s u c h b o u n t i e s shall be uniform, t h r o u g h o u t t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : IV. B o r r o w i n g m o n e y o n t h e public credit of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : V. P o s t a l , t e l e g r a p h i c , telephonic, a n d o t h e r like services : VI. T h e n a v a l a n d m i l i t a r y defence of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h a n d of t h e several States a n d t h e control of t h e forces to e x e c u t e a n d m a i n t a i n t h e laws of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : VII. L i g h t - h o u s e s , light-ships, beacons, a n d b u o y s : VIII. A s t r o n o m i c a l a n d meteorological observations : IX. Q u a r a n t i n e : x . F i s h e r i e s in A u s t r a l i a n w a t e r s beyond t e r r i t o r i a l limits : XI. Census a n d statistics : XII. C u r r e n c y , coinage, a n d legal t e n d e r : XIII. B a n k i n g , o t h e r t h a n S t a t e b a n k i n g ; also S t a t e b a n k i n g e x t e n d i n g beyond t h e limits of t h e State concerned, t h e incorporation of b a n k s , a n d t h e issue of p a p e r m o n e y : XIV. I n s u r a n c e , o t h e r t h a n State I n s u r a n c e ; also S t a t e I n s u r a n c e e x t e n d i n g b e y o n d t h e l i m i t s of t h e S t a t e c o n c e r n e d : xv. Weights and measures : XVI. Bills of e x c h a n g e a n d promissory notes : XVII. B a n k r u p t c y a n d insolvency : XVIII. C o p y r i g h t s , p a t e n t s of i n v e n t i o n s a n d designs, a n d t r a d e - m a r k s : XIX. N a t u r a l i z a t i o n a n d aliens : x x . F o r e i g n corporations, a n d t r a d i n g or financial corporations formed w i t h i n t h e l i m i t s of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : XXI. M a r r i a g e : XXII. D i v o r c e a n d m a t r i m o n i a l causes ; a n d in r e l a t i o n t h e r e t o , p a r e n t a l r i g h t s , a n d t h e custody a n d g u a r d i a n s h i p of i n f a n t s : XXIII. I n v a l i d a n d old-age pensions : XXIV. XXIV. T h e service a n d e x e c u t i o n t h r o u g h o u t t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h of t h e civil a n d c r i m i n a l process a n d t h e j u d g m e n t s of t h e c o u r t s of t h e S t a t e s : x x v . T h e r e c o g n i t i o n t h r o u g h o u t t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h of t h e l a w s , t h e p u b l i c acts a n d records, a n d t h e j u d i c i a l proceedings of the States: xxvi. T h e people of a n y race, o t h e r t h a n t h e aboriginal race in a n y S t a t e , for w h o m it is d e e m e d necessary to m a k e special l a w s : XXVII. I m m i g r a t i o n a n d e m i g r a t i o n XXVIII. T h e influx of criminals : : XXIX. E x t e r n a l affairs : x x x . T h e relations of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h w i t h t h e islands of t h e Pacific : XXXI. T h e acquisition of p r o p e r t y on just t e r m s from a n y State or person for any p u r p o s e in respect of which T h e P a r l i a m e n t h a s power to m a k e laws : XXXII. T h e control of railways w i t h respect to t r a n s p o r t for t h e n a v a l a n d m i l i t a r y purposes of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : XXXIII. T h e acquisition, w i t h t h e consent of a S t a t e , of a n y r a i l w a y s of t h e S t a t e on t e r m s a r r a n g e d b e t w e e n t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h and the State: XXXIV. R a i l w a y c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d e x t e n s i o n i n a n y S t a t e w i t h t h e c o n s e n t of t h a t S t a t e : x x x v . Conciliation a n d a r b i t r a t i o n for t h e p r e v e n t i o n a n d s e t t l e m e n t of i n d u s t r i a l disputes e x t e n d i n g b e y o n d t h e limits of a n y one S t a t e : M a t t e r s i n r e s p e c t of w h i c h t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n m a k e s provision u n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides : XXXVII. M a t t e r s referred to T h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h b y t h e P a r l i a m e n t or P a r l i a m e n t s of a n y S t a t e or States, b u t so t h a t t h e law shall e x t e n d only to States by whose P a r l i a m e n t s t h e m a t t e r is referred, or w h i c h afterwards a d o p t t h e l a w : XXXVIII. T h e exercise w i t h i n t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , at t h e r e q u e s t or w i t h t h e c o n c u r r e n c e of t h e P a r l i a m e n t s of all t h e States directly concerned, of a n y power w h i c h can a t t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n b e exercised only b y t h e P a r l i a m e n t of t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m or b y t h e F e d e r a l Council of A u s t r a l a s i a : XXXIX. M a t t e r s i n c i d e n t a l to t h e e x e c u t i o n of a n y power vested b y t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n i n T h e P a r l i a m e n t or in either House thereof, or in t h e G o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , or in t h e F e d e r a l J u d i c a t u r e , or in a n y d e p a r t m e n t or officer of t h e Commonwealth. 52. XXXVI. 52. T h e P a r l i a m e n t shall, subject to t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n , h a v e exclusive power to m a k e laws for t h e peace, order, a n d good govern m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h with respect t o -- I. T h e seat of G o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , a n d all places a c q u i r e d by t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h for public purposes : II. M a t t e r s r e l a t i n g to a n y d e p a r t m e n t of t h e p u b l i c service t h e control of w h i c h is by this C o n s t i t u t i o n transferred to t h e E x e c u t i v e G o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : III. O t h e r m a t t e r s declared by this C o n s t i t u t i o n to be w i t h i n t h e exclusive power of T h e P a r l i a m e n t . 5 3 . Proposed laws a p p r o p r i a t i n g r e v e n u e or m o n e y s , or i m p o s i n g t a x a t i o n , s h a l l n o t o r i g i n a t e in t h e S e n a t e . B u t a proposed l a w shall n o t be t a k e n to a p p r o p r i a t e r e v e n u e or m o n e y s , or to impose t a x a t i o n , b y reason only of its c o n t a i n i n g provisions for t h e imposition or a p p r o p r i a t i o n of fines or o t h e r p e c u n i a r y penalties, or for t h e d e m a n d or p a y m e n t or a p p r o p r i a t i o n of fees for licenses, or fees for services u n d e r t h e proposed law. T h e S e n a t e m a y n o t a m e n d proposed laws i m p o s i n g t a x a t i o n , or proposed l a w s a p p r o p r i a t i n g r e v e n u e or m o n e y s for t h e o r d i n a r y a n n u a l services of t h e G o v e r n m e n t . T h e Senate m a y n o t a m e n d a n y proposed law so as to increase a n y proposed c h a r g e or b u r d e n on t h e people. T h e S e n a t e m a y at a n y stage r e t u r n to t h e H o u s e of R e p r e sentatives a n y proposed law w h i c h t h e S e n a t e m a y n o t a m e n d , r e q u e s t i n g , b y message, t h e omission or a m e n d m e n t of a n y i t e m s or provisions t h e r e i n . A n d t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s may if it t h i n k s fit m a k e a n y of such omissions or a m e n d m e n t s , w i t h or w i t h o u t modifications. E x c e p t as provided in t h i s section, t h e S e n a t e shall h a v e e q u a l p o w e r w i t h t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s i n respect of all proposed laws. 54. T h e proposed law which a p p r o p r i a t e s r e v e n u e or m o n e y s for t h e o r d i n a r y a n n u a l sendees of t h e G o v e r n m e n t shall deal o n l y with such appropriation. 55. L a w s i m p o s i n g t a x a t i o n shall deal only w i t h t h e imposition of t a x a t i o n , a n d a n y provision t h e r e i n dealing w i t h a n y o t h e r m a t t e r shall be of n o effect. L a w s i m p o s i n g t a x a t i o n , except laws i m p o s i n g duties of c u s t o m s or of excise, shall deal w i t h one subject of t a x a t i o n only ; b u t l a w s i m p o s i n g d u t i e s of c u s t o m s shall deal w i t h duties of c u s t o m s only, a n d laws i m p o s i n g d u t i e s of excise shall deal w i t h duties of excise only. 56. A vote, r e s o l u t i o n , or proposed law for t h e a p p r o p r i a t i o n of r e v e n u e or m o n e y s s h a l l n o t be passed unless t h e p u r p o s e of t h e a p p r o p r i a t i o n has in t h e s a m e session b e e n r e c o m m e n d e d b y message of t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l to t h e H o u s e in w h i c h t h e proposal originated. 57. 57. I f t h e House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s passes a n y proposed law a n d t h e Senate rejects or fails to pass it, or passes it w i t h a m e n d m e n t s t o w h i c h the House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s will n o t agree, a n d if after a n i n t e r v a l of t h r e e m o n t h s t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , in t h e same or t h e n e x t session, a g a i n passes t h e proposed law w i t h or w i t h o u t a n y a m e n d m e n t s w h i c h h a v e b e e n m a d e , suggested, or a g r e e d to by t h e Senate, a n d t h e Senate rejects or fails to pass it, or passes it w i t h a m e n d m e n t s to w h i c h t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s will not agree, t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a y dissolve t h e S e n a t e a n d t h e House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s s i m u l t a n e o u s l y . B u t s u c h dissolution shall n o t t a k e place w i t h i n six m o n t h s before t h e date of t h e e x p i r y of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s by effluxion of t i m e . If after such dissolution t h e House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s a g a i n passes t h e proposed law with or w i t h o u t a n y a m e n d m e n t s w h i c h have been m a d e , suggested, or a g r e e d to b y t h e Senate, a n d t h e S e n a t e rejects or fails to pass it, or passes it w i t h a m e n d m e n t s to w h i c h t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s will n o t agree, t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a y c o n v e n e a j o i n t s i t t i n g of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e S e n a t e a n d of the H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . T h e m e m b e r s p r e s e n t a t t h e j o i n t s i t t i n g m a y deliberate a n d shall vote t o g e t h e r u p o n t h e proposed law as last proposed b y the H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , a n d upon a m e n d m e n t s , if a n y , which h a v e been m a d e t h e r e i n b y one House a n d n o t agreed to b y t h e other, a n d a n y such a m e n d m e n t s w h i c h a r e affirmed b y a n absolute m a j o r i t y of t h e total n u m b e r of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e S e n a t e a n d H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s shall be t a k e n to h a v e been carried, a n d if t h e proposed law, w i t h t h e a m e n d m e n t s , if any, so carried is affirmed b y a n a b s o l u t e m a j o r i t y of t h e t o t a l n u m b e r of t h e m e m b e r s of t h e S e n a t e a n d House of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s it shall be t a k e n to h a v e been d u l y passed by b o t h H o u s e s of t h e P a r l i a m e n t , a n d shall be p r e s e n t e d to t h e GovernorG e n e r a l for t h e Q u e e n ' s assent. 58. W h e n a proposed law passed b y b o t h H o u s e s of T h e P a r l i a m e n t is p r e s e n t e d to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l for t h e Q u e e n ' s assent, he shall declare, a c c o r d i n g to bis discretion, b u t subject to t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n , that h e assents in the Q u e e n ' s n a m e , or t h a t he w i t h holds assent, or t h a t he reserves t h e law for t h e Q u e e n ' s pleasure. T h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a y r e t u r n to the House in which it originated a n y proposed law so p r e s e n t e d to h i m , a n d m a y t r a n s m i t t h e r e w i t h a n y a m e n d m e n t s w h i c h he may r e c o m m e n d , a n d t h e H o u s e s m a y deal w i t h t h e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n . 59. T h e Q u e e n m a y disallow a n y law w i t h i n one y e a r from t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l ' s assent, a n d s u c h disallowance on b e i n g m a d e k n o w n b y t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l , b y speech or message to each of t h e Houses of T h e P a r l i a m e n t , or b y P r o c l a m a t i o n , shall a n n u l t h e law from t h e d a y w h e n t h e disallowance is so m a d e k n o w n . 60. 60. A proposed law reserved for t h e Q u e e n ' s pleasure shall not h a v e a n y force unless a n d u n t i l w i t h i n t w o years from t h e day on w h i c h it w a s p r e s e n t e d to t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l for t h e Q u e e n ' s assent t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a k e s k n o w n , by speech or message to each of t h e H o u s e s of The P a r l i a m e n t , or by P r o c l a m a t i o n , t h a t it has received t h e Q u e e n ' s assent. CHAPTER THE EXECUTIVE II. GOVERNMENT. 6 1 . T h e executive p o w e r of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h is vested in t h e Q u e e n , a n d is exercisable by t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l as t h e Q u e e n ' s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e , and e x t e n d s to t h e e x e c u t i o n a n d m a i n t e n a n c e of t h i s Constitution, a n d of t h e laws of t h e Commonwealth.. 62. T h e r e shall be a F e d e r a l E x e c u t i v e Council to advise t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l in t h e g o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , a n d t h e m e m b e r s of t h e Council shall be chosen a n d s u m m o n e d b y t h e GovernorG e n e r a l a n d sworn as E x e c u t i v e Councillors, a n d shall hold office d u r i n g his p l e a s u r e . 6 3 . T h e provisions of t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n referring to t h e GovernorG e n e r a l i n C o u n c i l shall be c o n s t r u e d as referring to t h e GovernorG e n e r a l a c t i n g w i t h t h e advice of t h e F e d e r a l E x e c u t i v e Council. 64. T h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l m a y a p p o i n t officers to a d m i n i s t e r s u c h D e p a r t m e n t s of S t a t e of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h as t h e GovernorG e n e r a l i n Council m a y establish. S u c h officers shall hold office d u r i n g t h e p l e a s u r e of t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l . T h e y shall be m e m b e r s of t h e F e d e r a l E x e c u t i v e Council, a n d shall be t h e Q u e e n ' s M i n i s t e r s of S t a t e for t h e C o m m o n wealth. After the first general election no M i n i s t e r of S t a t e shall hold office for a l o n g e r period t h a n t h r e e m o n t h s unless he is or b e c o m e s a senator or a m e m b e r of t h e H o u s e of R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . 65. U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, t h e M i n i s t e r s of S t a t e shall n o t exceed seven in n u m b e r , a n d shall hold such offices as T h e P a r l i a m e n t prescribes, or, i n t h e absence of provision, as the G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l directs. 66. T h e r e shall be p a y a b l e to t h e Q u e e n , o u t of t h e Consoli d a t e d R e v e n u e F u n d of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , for t h e salaries of t h e M i n i s t e r s of S t a t e , a n a n n u a l s u m w h i c h , u n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t other wise provides, shall n o t exceed twelve t h o u s a n d p o u n d s a year. 67. U n t i l T h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, t h e a p p o i n t m e n t a n d r e m o v a l of all o t h e r officers of t h e E x e c u t i v e G o v e r n m e n t of t h e Commonwealth C o m m o n w e a l t h shall he vested in t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l in Council, u n l e s s t h e a p p o i n t m e n t is delegated b y t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l in Council or by a law of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h to some o t h e r a u t h o r i t y . 68. T h e c o m m a n d in chief of t h e naval a n d m i l i t a r y forces of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h is vested in t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l as t h e Q u e e n ' s representative. 69. On a d a t e or dates to be proclaimed b y t h e GovernorGeneral after t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , t h e following d e p a r t m e n t s of t h e public service in each State shall become t r a n s ferred to t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h :-- Posts, telegraphs, and telephones: N a v a l a n d m i l i t a r y defence : L i g h t - h o u s e s , light-ships, beacons, a n d b u o y s : Quarantine. But t h e d e p a r t m e n t s of c u s t o m s a n d of excise in each State shall become transferred to the C o m m o n w e a l t h on its e s t a b l i s h m e n t . 70. I n respect of m a t t e r s w h i c h , u n d e r t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n , pass to t h e E x e c u t i v e G o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , all powers a n d f u n c t i o n s w h i c h a t t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h are vested i n t h e Governor of a colony, or in t h e Governor of a colony w i t h t h e advice of his E x e c u t i v e Council, or in a n y a u t h o r i t y of a colony, shall vest in t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l , or in t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l in Council, or i n t h e a u t h o r i t y exercising similar powers u n d e r t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , as t h e case r e q u i r e s . CHAPTER THE III. JUDICATURE. 7 1 . T h e j u d i c i a l power of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall be vested in a F e d e r a l S u p r e m e Court, to be called t h e H i g h C o u r t of A u s t r a l i a , a n d in s u c h o t h e r federal courts as T h e P a r l i a m e n t creates, a n d in s u c h o t h e r c o u r t s as it invests w i t h federal j u r i s d i c t i o n . T h e H i g h C o u r t shall consist of a Chief J u s t i c e , a n d so m a n y o t h e r J u s t i c e s , n o t less t h a n t w o , as T h e P a r l i a m e n t prescribes. 72. T h e J u s t i c e s of t h e H i g h C o u r t a n d of t h e o t h e r courts created b y t h e P a r l i a m e n t : I. Shall b e a p p o i n t e d by t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l i n Council : II . Shall n o t be r e m o v e d except b y t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l i n Council, on a n Address from b o t h H o u s e s of T h e P a r l i a m e n t i n t h e s a m e session p r a y i n g for such r e m o v a l on t h e g r o u n d of proved m i s b e h a v i o u r or i n c a p a c i t y : III. S h a l l receive s u c h r e m u n e r a t i o n as T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y fix ; b u t t h e r e m u n e r a t i o n shall n o t be diminished d u r i n g t h e i r c o n t i n u a n c e in office. 73. 7 3 . T h e H i g h C o u r t shall h a v e j u r i s d i c t i o n , w i t h s u c h e x c e p t i o n s a n d subject to s u c h r e g u l a t i o n s as T h e P a r l i a m e n t prescribes, to h e a r a n d d e t e r m i n e appeals from all j u d g m e n t s , decrees, orders, a n d sentences: I. Of a n y J u s t i c e or J u s t i c e s e x e r c i s i n g t h e original j u r i s d i c t i o n of t h e H i g h C o u r t : II. Of a n y o t h e r federal court, or c o u r t exercising federal j u r i s diction : or of t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t of a n y S t a t e , or of a n y o t h e r c o u r t of a n y S t a t e from w h i c h at t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , a n a p p e a l lies to t h e Q u e e n in C o u n c i l : III. Of t h e I n t e r - S t a t e Commission, b u t as to questions of law only : a n d t h e j u d g m e n t of t h e H i g h C o u r t in all s u c h cases shall be final a n d conclusive. B u t no e x c e p t i o n or r e g u l a t i o n prescribed by T h e P a r l i a m e n t shall p r e v e n t t h e H i g h C o u r t from h e a r i n g a n d d e t e r m i n i n g a n y appeal from t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t of a S t a t e in a n y m a t t e r in w h i c h a t t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h a n a p p e a l lies from such S u p r e m e C o u r t to t h e Q u e e n in C o u n c i l . U n t i l t h e P a r l i a m e n t otherwise provides, t h e conditions of a n d restrictions on appeals to t h e Q u e e n i n Council from t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t s of t h e several S t a t e s shall be a p p l i c a b l e to appeals from t h e m to t h e H i g h C o u r t . 74. N o a p p e a l shall be p e r m i t t e d to t h e Q u e e n in Council in a n y m a t t e r i n v o l v i n g t h e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n or of t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n of a S t a t e , unless t h e p u b l i c i n t e r e s t s of some p a r t of H e r M a j e s t y ' s D o m i n i o n s , other t h a n t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h or a S t a t e , a r e involved. E x c e p t as p r o v i d e d in this section, this C o n s t i t u t i o n shall not i m p a i r a n y r i g h t w h i c h t h e Q u e e n m a y be pleased to exercise, b y v i r t u e of H e r R o y a l P r e r o g a t i v e , to g r a n t special leave of a p p e a l from t h e H i g h C o u r t to H e r Majesty in Council. B u t T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y m a k e laws l i m i t i n g t h e m a t t e r s in w h i c h such leave m a y be asked. 75. I n all m a t t e r s -- I. A r i s i n g u n d e r a n y t r e a t y : II. Affecting consuls, or o t h e r r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of o t h e r c o u n t r i e s : n r . I n w h i c h t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , or a person s u i n g or b e i n g sued on behalf of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h , is a p a r t y : IV. B e t w e e n States, or b e t w e e n residents of different S t a t e s , or between a S t a t e a n d a r e s i d e n t of a n o t h e r S t a t e : v. I n w h i c h a writ of mandamus or p r o h i b i t i o n or a n i n j u n c t i o n is s o u g h t a g a i n s t a n officer of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h : t h e H i g h C o u r t shall h a v e o r i g i n a l j u r i s d i c t i o n . 76. T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y m a k e laws c o n f e r r i n g original j u r i s diction on t h e H i g h C o u r t in a n y m a t t e r -- I. A r i s i n g u n d e r t h i s C o n s t i t u t i o n , or i n v o l v i n g its i n t e r p r e t a t i o n : II. II. A r i s i n g u n d e r a n y laws m a d e b y T h e P a r l i a m e n t : III. Of a d m i r a l t y a n d m a r i t i m e j u r i s d i c t i o n : IV. R e l a t i n g to t h e same s u b j e c t - m a t t e r claimed under t h e laws of different States. 77. With respect to a n y of t h e m a t t e r s m e n t i o n e d in t h e last two sections, T h e P a r l i a m e n t may m a k e l a w s -- I. Defining t h e jurisdiction of a n y federal c o u r t o t h e r t h a n t h e High Court: II. Defining t h e e x t e n t to w h i c h t h e jurisdiction of a n y federal court shall be exclusive of t h a t w h i c h belongs to or is vested in t h e c o u r t s of t h e States : III. I n v e s t i n g a n y c o u r t of a S t a t e w i t h federal j u r i s d i c t i o n . 78. T h e P a r l i a m e n t m a y m a k e laws c o n f e r r i n g r i g h t s to proceed a g a i n s t t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h or a S t a t e in respect of m a t t e r s w i t h i n t h e l i m i t s of the judicial power. 79. T h e federal j u r i s d i c t i o n of a n y c o u r t m a y be exercised by such n u m b e r of j u d g e s as T h e P a r l i a m e n t prescribes. 80. T h e t r i a l o n i n d i c t m e n t of a n y offence a g a i n s t a n y law of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall be b y j u r y , a n d every such t r i a l shall be held in t h e S t a t e w h e r e t h e offence was c o m m i t t e d , a n d if the offence was n o t c o m m i t t e d w i t h i n any State t h e trial shall be held a t such place or places as T h e P a r l i a m e n t prescribes. CHAPTER FINANCE AND IV. TRADE. 8 1 . All r e v e n u e s or m o n e y s raised or received by t h e E x e c u t i v e G o v e r n m e n t of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall form one Consolidated R e v e n u e F u n d , to be a p p r o p r i a t e d for t h e purposes of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h in t h e m a n n e r a n d subject to t h e c h a r g e s a n d liabilities imposed by this C o n s t i t u t i o n . 82. T h e costs, c h a r g e s , and expenses i n c i d e n t to t h e collection, m a n a g e m e n t , and receipt of t h e Consolidated R e v e n u e F u n d shall form t h e first c h a r g e t h e r e o n ; a n d t h e r e v e n u e of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h shall in t h e first i n s t a n c e be applied to t h e p a y m e n t of t h e e x p e n d i t u r e of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h . 83. N o m o n e y shall be d r a w n from t h e T r e a s u r y of t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h e x c e p t u n d e r a p p r o p r i a t i o n m a d e b y law. B u t u n t i l t h e e x p i r a t i o n of one m o n t h after t h e first m e e t i n g of T h e P a r l i a m e n t t h e G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l i n Council m a y d r a w from t h e T r e a s u r y a n d e x p e n d s u c h m o n e y s as m a y be necessary for t h e m a i n t e n a n c e of any d e p a r t m e n t t r a n s f e r r e d to t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h a n d for t h e h o l d i n g of t h e first elections for T h e P a r l i a m e n t . 84. 84. When any department of the public service of a State becomes transferred to the Commonwealth, all officers of the depart ment shall become subject to the control of the Executive Government of the Commonwealth. Any such officer who is not retained in the service of the Commonwealth shall, unless he is appointed to some other office of equal emolument in the public service of the State, be entitled to receive from the State any pension, gratuity, or other compensation payable under the law of the State on the abolition of his office. Any such officer who is retained in the service of the Common wealth shall preserve all his existing and accruing rights, and shall be entitled to retire from office at the time, and on the pension or retiring allowance, which would be permitted by the law of the State if his service with the Commonwealth were a continuation of his service with the State. Such pension or retiring allowance shall be paid to him by the Commonwealth; but the State shall pay to the Common wealth a part thereof, to be calculated on the proportion which his term of service with the State bears to his whole term of service, and for the purpose of the calculation his salary shall be taken to be that paid to him by the State at the time of the transfer. Any officer who is, at the establishment of the Commonwealth, in the public service of a State, and who is, by consent of the Governor of the State with the advice of the Executive Council thereof, transferred to the public service of the Commonwealth, shall have the same rights as if he had been an officer of a department transferred to the Commonwealth and were retained in the service of the Commonwealth. 85. When any department of the public service of a State is transferred to the Commonwealth-- I. All property of the State, of any kind, used exclusively in connexion with the department, shall become vested in the Commonwealth; but, in the case of the departments con trolling customs and excise and bounties, for such time only as the Governor-General in Council may declare to be necessary. I I . The Commonwealth may acquire any properly of the State, of any kind, used, but not exclusively used, in connexion with the department; the value thereof shall, if no agreement can be made, be ascertained in, as nearly as may be, the manner in which the value of land, or of an interest in land, taken by the State for public purposes is ascertained under the law of the State in force at the establishment of the Common wealth. III. The Commonwealth shall compensate the State for the value of any property passing to the Commonwealth under this section ; section; if no agreement can bo made as to the mode of compensation, it shall be determined under laws to he made by The Parliament, IV. The Commonwealth shall, at the date of the transfer, assume the current obligations of the State in respect of the depart ment transferred. 86. On the establishment of the Commonwealth, the collection and control of duties of customs and of excise, and the control of the payment of bounties, shall pass to the Executive Government of the Commonwealth. 87. During a period of ten years after the establishment of the Commonwealth, and thereafter until the Parliament otherwise provides, of the net revenue of the Commonwealth from duties of customs and of excise, not more than one-fourth shall he applied annually by the Commonwealth towards its expenditure. The balance shall, in accordance with this Constitution, be paid to the several States, or applied towards the payment of interest on debts of the several States taken over by the Commonwealth. 88. Uniform duties of customs shall be imposed within two years after the establishment of the Commonwealth. 89. Until the imposition of uniform duties of customs-- I. The Commonwealth shall credit to each State the revenues collected therein by the Commonwealth. I I . The Commonwealth shall debit to each State-- (a) the expenditure therein of the Commonwealth incurred solely for the maintenance or continuance, as at the time of transfer, of any department transferred from the State to the Commonwealth. (b) the proportion of the State, according to the number of its people, in the other expenditure of the Commonwealth. III. The Commonwealth shall pay to each State month by month the balance (if any) in favour of the State. 90. On the imposition of uniform duties of customs the power of The Parliament to impose duties of customs and of excise, and to grant: bounties on the production or export of goods, shall become exclusive. On the imposition of uniform duties of customs all laws of the several States imposing duties of customs or of excise, or offering bounties on the production or export of goods, shall cease to have effect; but any grant of or agreement for any such bounty lawfully made by or under the authority of the Government of any State shall be taken to he good if made before the thirtieth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight, and not otherwise. 91. Nothing in this Constitution prohibits a State from granting any aid to or bounty on mining for gold, silver, or other metals, nor from from granting, with the consent of both Houses of The Parliament of the Commonwealth expressed by resolution, any aid to or bounty on the production or export of goods. 92. On the imposition of uniform duties of customs, trade, commerce, and intercourse among the States, whether by means of internal carriage or ocean navigation, shall be absolutely free. But notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, goods im ported before the imposition of uniform duties of customs into any State, or into any Colony which, whilst the goods remain therein, becomes a State, shall, on thence passing into another State within two years after the imposition of such duties, be liable to any duty chargeable on the importation of such goods into the Commonwealth, less any duty paid in respect of the goods on their importation. 93. During the first five years after the imposition of uniform duties of customs, and thereafter until The Parliament otherwise pro vides :-- I. The duties of customs chargeable on goods imported into a State and afterwards passing into another State for con sumption, and the duties of excise paid on goods produced or manufactured in a State and afterwards passing into another State for consumption, shall be taken to have been collected not in the former but in the latter State : II. Subject to the last subsection, the Commonwealth shall credit revenue, debit expenditure, and pay balances to the several States as prescribed for the period preceding the imposition of uniform duties of customs. 84. After five years from the imposition of uniform duties of customs, The Parliament may provide, on such basis as it deems fair, for the monthly payment to the several States of all surplus revenue of the Commonwealth. 95. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the Par liament of the State of "Western Australia may, during the first five years after the imposition of uniform duties of customs, impose duties of customs on goods passing into that State and not originally imported from beyond the limits of the Commonwealth ; and such duties shall be collected by the Commonwealth. P u t any duty so imposed on any goods shall not exceed during the first of such years the duty chargeable on the goods under the law of Western Australia in force at the imposition of uniform duties, and shall not exceed during the second, third, fourth, and fifth of such years respectively, four-fifths, three-fifths, two-fifths, and one-fifth of such latter duty, and all duties imposed under this section shall cease at the expiration of the fifth year after the imposition of uniform duties. If If at any time during the five years the duty on any goods under this section is higher than the duty imposed by the Common wealth on the importation of the like goods, then such higher duty shall be collected on the goods when imported into Western Australia from beyond the limits of the Commonwealth. 96. During a period of ten years after the establishment of the Commonwealth and thereafter until The Parliament otherwise provides, The Parliament may grant financial assistance to any State on such terms and conditions as The Parliament thinks lit. 97. Until The Parliament otherwise provides, the laws in force in any colony which has become or becomes a State with respect to the receipt of revenue and the expenditure of money on account of the Government of the colony, and the review and audit of such receipt and expenditure, shall apply to the receipt of revenue and the expenditure of money on account of the Commonwealth, in the State in the same manner as if the Commonwealth, or the Government, or an officer of the Commonwealth, were mentioned whenever the colony, or the Government, or an officer of the colony is mentioned. 98. The power of The Parliament to make laws with respect to trade and commerce extends to navigation and shipping, and to rail ways the property of any State. 99. The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation of trade, commerce, or revenue, give preference to one State or any part thereof over another State or any part thereof. 100. The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation of trade or commerce, abridge the right of a State or of the residents therein to the reasonable use of the waters of rivers for conservation or irrigation. 101. There shall be an Inter-State Commission, with such powers of adjudication and administration as The Parliament deems necessary for the execution and maintenance, within the Common wealth, of the provisions of this Constitution relating to trade and commerce, and of all laws made thereunder. 102. The Parliament may by any law with respect to trade or commerce forbid, as to railways, any preference or discrimination by any State, or by any authority constituted under a State, if such preference or discrimination is undue and unreasonable, or unjust to any State: due regard being had to the financial responsibilities incurred by any State in connexion with the construction and main tenance of its railways. But no preference or discrimination shall, within the meaning of this section, be taken to be undue and unreasonable, or unjust to any State, unless so adjudged by the Inter state Commission. 103. The numbers of the Inter-State Commission-- I. Shall be appointed by the Governor-General in Council: *C II. I I . Shall hold office for seven years, but may be removed within t h a t time by the Governor-General in Council, on an address from both Houses of The Parliament in the same Session praying for such removal on the ground of proved mis behaviour or incapacity: I I I . Shall receive such remuneration as The Parliament may fix; but such remuneration shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. 104. Nothing in this Constitution shall render unlawful any rate for the carriage of goods upon a railway, the property of a State, if the rate is deemed by the Inter-State Commission to be necessary for the development of the territory of the State, and if the rate applies equally to goods within the State and to goods passing into the State from other States. 105. The Parliament may take over from the States their public debts as existing at the establishment of the Commonwealth, or a proportion thereof according to the respective numbers of their people as shown by the latest statistics of the Commonwealth, and may convert, renew, or consolidate such debts, or any part thereof; and the States shall indemnify the Commonwealth in respect of the debts taken over, and thereafter the interest payable in respect of the debts shall be deducted and retained from the portions of the surplus revenue of the Commonwealth payable to the several States,or if such surplus is insufficient, or if there is no surplus, then the deficiency or the whole amount shall be paid by the several States. C H A P T E R V. T H E STATES. 106. The Constitution of each State of the Commonwealth shall, subject to this Constitution, continue as at the establishment of the Commonwealth, or as at the admission or establishment of the State, as the case may be, until altered in accordance with the Constitution of the State. 107. Every power of the Parliament of a colony which has become or becomes a State, shall, unless it is by this Constitution exclusively vested in The Parliament of the Commonwealth or with drawn from the Parliament of the State, continue as at the establish ment of the Commonwealth, or as at the admission or establishment of the State, as the case may be. 108. Every law in force in a colony which has become or becomes a State, and relating to any matter within the powers of The Parliament Parliament of the Commonwealth, shall, subject to this Constitution, continue in force in the State; and, until provision is made in that behalf by The Parliament of the Commonwealth, the Parliament of the State shall have such powers of alteration and of repeal in respect of any such law as the Parliament of the colony had until the colony became a State. 109. W h e n a law of a State is inconsistent with a law of the Commonwealth, the latter shall prevail, and the former shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be invalid. 110. The provisions of this Constitution relating" to the Governor of a State extend and apply to the Governor for the time being of the State, or other chief executive officer or administrator of the govern ment of the State. 111. The Parliament of a State may surrender any part of the State to the Commonwealth; and upon such surrender, and the acceptance thereof by the Commonwealth, such part of the State shall become subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. 112. After uniform duties of customs have been imposed, a State may levy on imports or exports, or on goods passing into or out of the State, such charges as may be necessary for executing the inspection laws of the State; but the net produce of all charges so levied shall be for the use of the Commonwealth ; and any such inspec tion laws may be annulled by The Parliament of the Commonwealth. 113. All fermented, distilled, or other intoxicating liquids passing into any State or remaining therein for use, consumption, sale, or storage shall be subject to the laws of the State as if such liquids had been produced in the State. 114. A State shall not, without the consent of The Parliament of the Commonwealth, raise or maintain any naval or military force, or impose any tax on property of any kind belonging to the Common wealth ; nor shall the Commonwealth impose any tax on property of any kind belonging to a State. 115. A State shall not coin money, nor make anything but gold and silver coin a legal tender in payment of debts. 116. The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth. 117. A subject of the Queen, resident in any State, shall not be subject in any other State to any disability or discrimination which would not be equally applicable to him if he were a subject of the Queen resident in such other State. 118. Pull faith and credit shall be given, throughout the Commonwealth, to the laws, the public acts and records, and the judicial proceedings, of every State. 119. 119. The Commonwealth shall protect every State against invasion and, on the application of the Executive Government of the State, against domestic violence. 120. Every State shall make provision for the detention in its prisons of persons accused or convicted of offences against the laws of the Commonwealth, and for the punishment of persons convicted of such offences, and The Parliament of the Commonwealth may make laws to give effect to this provision. CHAPTER VI. N E W STATES. 121. The Parliament may admit to the Commonwealth or establish new States, and may upon such admission or establishment make or impose such terms and conditions, including the extent of representation in either House of The Parliament, as it thinks fit. 122. The Parliament may make laws for the government of any territory surrendered by any State to and accepted by the Common wealth, or of any territory placed by the Queen under the authority of and accepted by the Commonwealth, or otherwise acquired by the Commonwealth, and may allow the representation of such territory in either House of The Parliament to the extent and on the terms which it thinks fit. 123. The Parliament of the Commonwealth may, with the consent of the Parliament of a State and the approval of the majority of the electors of the State voting upon the question, increase, diminish, or otherwise alter the limits of the State, upon such terms and condi tions as may be agreed on, and may, with the like consent, make provision respecting the effect and operation of any increase or diminution or alteration of territory in relation to any State affected. 124. A new State may be formed by separation of territory from a State, but only with the consent of the Parliament thereof, and a new State may be formed by the union of two or more States or parts of States, but only with the consent of the Parliaments of the States affected. CHAPTER VII. MISCELLANEOUS. 125. The seat of Government of the Commonwealth shall be determined by The Parliament and shall be within territory which shall have been granted to or acquired by the Commonwealth and shall shall be vested in and belong to the Commonwealth, and if New South Wales be an Original State shall be in that State and be distant not less than one hundred miles from Sydney. Such territory shall contain an area of not less than one hundred square miles, and such portion thereof as shall consist of Crown lands shall be granted to the Commonwealth without any payment therefor. If Victoria be an Original State The Parliament shall sit at Melbourne until it meets at the seat of Government. 126. The Queen may authorise the Governor-General to appoint any person or any persons jointly or severally to be his deputy or deputies within any part of the Commonwealth, and in that capacity to exercise during the pleasure of the Governor-General such powers and functions of the Governor-General as he thinks fit to assign to such deputy or deputies, subject to any limitations expressed or directions given by the Queen, but the appointment of such deputy or deputies shall not affect the exercise by the Governor-General himself of any power or function. 127. I n reckoning the numbers of the people of the Common wealth, or of a State or other part of the Commonwealth, aboriginal natives shall not be counted. CHAPTER VIII. A L T E R A T I O N OF T H E CONSTITUTION. 128. This Constitution shall not be altered except in the follow ing m a n n e r : -- The proposed law for the alteration thereof must be passed by an absolute majority of each House of The Parliament, and not less than two nor more than six months after its passage through both Houses the proposed law shall be submitted in each State to the electors qualified to vote for the election of members of the House of Representatives. B u t if either House passes any such proposed law by an absolute majority and the other House rejects or fails to pass it or passes it with any amendment to which the first-mentioned House will not agree, and if after an interval of three months the first-mentioned House in the same or the next session again passes the proposed law by an absolute majority with or without any amendment which has been made or agreed to by the other House, and such other House rejects or fails to pass it, or passes it with any amendment to which the first-mentioned House will not agree, the Governor-General may submit the proposed law law as last proposed by the first-mentioned House, and either with or without any amendments subsequently agreed to by both Houses to the electors in each State qualified to vote for the election of the House of Representatives. W h e n a proposed law is submitted to the electors, the vote shall be taken in such manner as The Parliament prescribes. But until the qualification of electors of members of the House of Repre sentatives becomes uniform throughout the Commonwealth only onehalf the electors voting for and against the proposed law shall be counted in any State in which adult suffrage prevails. And if in a majority of the States a majority of the electors voting approve the proposed law, and if a majority of all the electors voting also approve the proposed law, it shall be presented to the Governor-General for the Queen's assent. No alteration diminishing the proportionate representation of any State in either House of The Parliament, or the minimum number of representatives of a State in the House of Representatives, or increasing, diminishing, or otherwise altering the limits of the State, or in any manner affecting the provisions of the Constitution in relation thereto, shall become law unless the majority of the electors voting in that State approve the proposed law. THE SCHEDULE. OATH. I , A. 13., do swear t h a t I will be faithful a n d bear t r u e allegiance to H e r M a j e s t y Q u e e n Victoria, H e r h e i r s and successors, according t o law. So HELP ME GOD ! AFFIRMATION. I , A . B . , do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare t h a t I will be faithful a n d b e a r t r u e allegiance to H e r M a j e s t y Q u e e n Victoria, H e r heirs a n d successors, according t o law. ( N O T E . -- T h e name of the King or Queen of the United Ireland for the time being is to be substituted Kingdom of Great Britain from time to time.) and Act