Governments in South Australia formed or fail in parliament's House of Assembly where they introduce law bills

As a lower house of parliament, the South Australian House Assembly (pictured with its coat of arms) takes its green theme from the British House of Commons Westminster tradition.
Images courtesy Parliament of South Australia

Most South Australian laws are introduced in the 47-member House of Assembly. This is because the group – a party or coalition – with most seats in this lower house is invited by the governor to form a government.

The person voted leader by that group becomes the premier who choses the cabinet and its ministers who are responsible for various portfolios such as treasury, education, transport, law (attorney general), industry, emergency services, police.

The premier and senior ministers form the cabinet that decides day-to-day government response and direction in policy, laws and administration.The leader of the opposition heads the second biggest group or a coalition formed by members outside the government. This opposition has “shadow” ministers who keep a watch on government performance in the portfolios.

The opposition can bring down a government if it wins enough support for a vote of no confidence.

Otherwise, the opposition can challenge the government performance at the daily question time and during debates and when examining bills proposing laws.

Government bills proposing laws going through three reading stages. At the committee stage, debate can delve into the details of the bills and changes can be made.

The bill, if passed by a majority in the vote of the whole house, goes on to the Legislative Council for it to consider. The Legislative Council may reject the bill or pass it with changes. The bill then comes back the House of Assembly to reconsider and vote to accept or reject any changes made by the council.

A bill in the form agreed on by both houses becomes law as an act of parliament