Page:Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act (The Constitution) as at 2013.pdf/14

Chapter I The Parliament Part II The Senate

Section 10 of each State may make laws prescribing the method of choosing the senators for that State.

Times and places [see Note 6] The Parliament of a State may make laws for determining the times and places of elections of senators for the State.

10 Application of State laws Until the Parliament otherwise provides, but subject to this Constitution, the laws in force in each State, for the time being, relating to elections for the more numerous House of the Parliament of the State shall, as nearly as practicable, apply to elections of senators for the State.

11 Failure to choose senators The Senate may proceed to the despatch of business, notwithstanding the failure of any State to provide for its representation in the Senate.

12 Issue of writs The Governor of any State may cause writs to be issued for elections of senators for the State. In case of the dissolution of the Senate the writs shall be issued within ten days from the proclamation of such dissolution.

13 Rotation of senators As soon as may be after the Senate first meets, and after each first meeting of the Senate following a dissolution thereof, the Senate shall divide the senators chosen for each State into two classes, as nearly equal in number as practicable; and the places of the senators of the first class shall become vacant at the expiration of the third year three years, and the places of those of the second class at the expiration of the sixth year six years, from the beginning of their term of service; and afterwards the places of senators shall become vacant at the expiration of six years from the beginning of their term of service.

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