3.2 Authority to Prepare a Bill approval

Generally, OQPC receives a copy of each Cabinet decision giving approval for the preparation of a Bill. However, The Queensland Cabinet Handbook states a department must forward the drafting instructions for the Bill to OQPC within two working days of receiving Cabinet decision. If changes to the drafting instructions are necessary, the limit extends to five working days. Keeping to these time limits is especially important when the submission states the Bill is ‘Essential for passage’.

Drafting will usually start when a drafter is allocated to draft the Bill after receipt of the Cabinet decision and the drafting instructions by OQPC. A letter is sent by OQPC to the sponsoring department advising the drafter’s name.