Section 139: Standing Orders

(1) The proceedings of the Senate and the National Assembly are regulated by rules known as Standing Orders, which are made by the Houses individually or jointly on the recommendation of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.

(2) Standing Orders may provide for—

    (a) the passing of Bills;

    (b) the appointment and functions of committees and the delegation of functions to them;

    (c) the way in which the powers, privileges and immunities of the Houses may be

exercised and upheld;

    (d) the questioning of Ministers and Deputy Ministers by Members of Parliament;

    (e) a code of conduct for Members of Parliament;

    (f) the exercise of the right of the public to petition Parliament; and

    (g) generally, the regulation and orderly conduct of business and proceedings in and

between the Houses.

(3) The procedures and processes of Parliament and its committees, as provided for in Standing Orders, must promote transparency, must encourage the involvement of members of all political parties in Parliament and the public, and must be fair and just.

(4) Any committee established by or under Standing Orders must reflect, as closely as possible, the political and gender composition of Parliament or of the House to which the Standing Orders apply.