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 Bill1st House
2nd House
Law
This bill was sponsored by John Ruddick (LIBT)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it 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)