(a)  To introduce new legislation into the legislature, a member of the House proposes that 'the Bill be read a first time'. Only the title of the Bill is read aloud and no debate is allowed. Members then vote to accept the introduction of the Bill into the House.   This is known as the ‘first reading’ of the Bill.

(b)  During the second reading of a Bill, the legal expert who drafted the Bill makes a speech outlining its provisions, explains what it will achieve, and gives the reasons for its introduction.

(c)   After the second reading speech, members of the House are allowed to debate the provisions in the Bill and ask questions about any of the provisions. The second reading is the main opportunity for debate and questions.