No [insert]
House of Representatives
Amendment Paper
Parliament Bill
Proposed amendments
[MP Name], in Committee, to move the following amendment:
New clause 29A
After clause 29 (page 29), insert:
House of Representatives cannot imprison or detain
29A House of Representatives cannot detain
(1) The House of Representatives has no power to direct that any person be imprisoned, arrested, or otherwise detained (whether to discipline or punish them, or for any other purpose or reason).
(2) This section applies despite any other legislation or rule of law to the contrary.
(3) This section does not limit or affect the ability of a parliamentary security officer, a police officer, a court or any other person or body to imprison, arrest or otherwise detain in the exercise of powers under this Act, or any other legislation or rule of law.
Explanatory note
This amendment amends the Parliament Bill.
Since the Parliament Bill was introduced, a question has arisen over whether the House may punish a contempt by ordering the detention of someone. This amendment precludes the exercise of such a power by the House of Representatives.
While the House will not have the power to direct a detention or arrest, the powers of parliamentary security officers, police and courts to respond to breaches of this act, or the ordinary criminal law is unaffected.
