90-day Ban on Parliament Legislating About Topics Linked to Terrorism, Mass Casualty Events, or Other Traumatic Public Events [Parliamentary Cooling-Off Period]

Constitution Amendment (Parliamentary Cooling-Off Period) Bill 2026

Private Member's Bill

1st House

2nd House

Law

This Bill was sponsored by John Ruddick ( LIBT )



Effects of Bill:

This bill being passed means that:

for 90 days after a major traumatic public event (such as a terrorist attack, mass casualty event, heinous crime, or officially declared day of mourning), Parliament cannot introduce, debate or vote on bills related to that event, and regulations related to it cannot be made

any Act passed in breach of this prohibition would automatically be void

exceptions apply for Appropriation Bills, legislation providing victim support or compensation, and legislation establishing a formal inquiry into the event

this provision is entrenched in the Constitution — repealing or changing it requires a 90% supermajority in both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council

this Bill requires voter approval at a referendum before it can take effect (see the companion Referendum Bill)


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