3.0 The drafting process

This chapter considers the drafting process from the perspective of OQPC’s involvement.

OQPC may be involved in the drafting process before an Authority to Prepare a Bill submission is approved by Cabinet, or another appropriate authority is obtained. However, the formal drafting process starts when there is Cabinet Authority to Prepare a Bill approval, or other appropriate authority, and drafting instructions are sent to OQPC. After the drafting is completed, a Cabinet Authority to Introduce a Bill submission should be lodged.

This chapter considers the drafting process at the following stages:

• before the Cabinet Authority to Prepare a Bill submission
• after the Cabinet Authority to Prepare a Bill approval is obtained
• preparation of drafts, including the roles of the instructing officer and the drafter and the importance of effective drafting instructions
• obtaining the Cabinet Authority to Introduce a Bill approval.

In carrying out its statutory role, OQPC’s duty in relation to government legislation is to the government as a whole and not simply to individual Ministers, departments or members – see The Queensland Cabinet Handbook. OQPC is attached to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and  reports to the Premier.

• 3.1 OQPC's involvement before Authority to Prepare a Bill approval
• 3.2 Authority to Prepare a Bill approval
• 3.3 Drafting process
• 3.4 Role of instructing officer in providing effective drafting instructions
• 3.5 Role of drafter
• 3.6 Authority to Introduce a Bill approval
• 3.7 Other relevant matters