The report is then considered by the Senate when examining the bill in the chamber. In addition, the Scrutiny of Bills Committee informs the Senate of any bills that unduly trespass on individual rights and liberties or fail to observe proper legislative safeguards, for example, rights of appeal. Initiation of Bills Most bills are initiated by the House of Representatives because that is where the majority of ministers sit. Bills may be initiated in the Senate when, for example, the minister in charge of the bill is a Senator, or when the House of Representatives, which usually meets for fewer days than the Senate, is not sitting. Many statutes do not attempt to comprehensively regulate the subject they cover, but leave the details to be regulated by delegated legislation.
Much use is made of delegated legislation.
Each year, the federal Parliament passes around 200 bills. In contrast, around 1800 pieces of delegated of legislation are made. To improve the effectiveness of the Senate's oversight of this area, the Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances examines all delegated legislation against criteria similar to those used by the Scrutiny of Bills Committee. It takes up any problems with the relevant minister. Unresolved problems can lead to the disallowance of the regulation by the Senate.