Proclamation - Opening of Parliament 2025

Overview

The Constitution Proclamation C2025G00272, enacted in 2025, serves to formalise the commencement of a parliamentary session in accordance with section 5 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia. The proclamation was issued by the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of Australia, and was signed on 22 May 2025, setting the specific date and time for the Parliament to convene at Parliament House in Canberra. This legislative instrument is essential for ensuring the orderly and timely initiation of parliamentary activities, addressing the procedural need to officially call the Parliament into session. The policy objective, as implied, is to maintain constitutional governance and facilitate the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament.

Scope and Application

The Constitution Proclamation issued by the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, pertains specifically to the convening of the Australian Parliament. It applies to all Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, thereby impacting the legislative process and the governance of the nation. The Proclamation is geographically confined to the Commonwealth level, with its primary jurisdiction and execution centred in Canberra at Parliament House. It sets a definitive date and time for the commencement of a parliamentary session, thereby regulating the timing and location of the legislative body's activities. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the Proclamation itself, and it does not extend its application through subordinate instruments. The Proclamation serves as a formal and constitutional directive that ensures the orderly and timely assembly of the Parliament.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Constitution Proclamation (C2025G00272) include the appointment of the date and time for the Parliament to convene, as well as the summoning of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives (Sections 1 and 2). On Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at 10.30am, the Parliament is to meet at Parliament House in Canberra. The Governor-General, in this case, Ms Sam Mostyn, issues the proclamation under the authority granted by section 5 of the Constitution. This date and time of convening are crucial for the commencement of parliamentary activities and the commencement of the legislative session. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties it governs, namely the Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, are to ensure their attendance at the appointed time and place. The proclamation mandates that all Senators and Members must be present at Parliament House in Canberra on the specified date and time. This requirement is essential for the proper functioning of the legislative process and the ability of the Parliament to conduct its business effectively. The proclamation ensures that the legislative process can commence without delay, allowing for the introduction and consideration of new laws and the continuation of existing parliamentary duties. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Act may result in various consequences, although the specific penalties or civil/criminal repercussions are not detailed within the text of the proclamation itself. Generally, under Australian law, non-compliance with a proclamation of this nature could potentially result in disciplinary actions, depending on the internal rules and regulations of the Parliament. Such actions might include warnings, fines, or more severe consequences for persistent non-compliance. However, the exact penalties for failing to attend the summoned parliamentary session are not explicitly stated in the document provided. It is likely that these would be governed by internal parliamentary procedures or other relevant legislation.