What is a resolution in parliament?

A resolution in the Australian Parliament is a formal expression of the Parliament's opinion, decision, or intention on a particular matter, distinct from a bill. Resolutions do not create new law but can express views, condemn actions, recognise events, call for inquiries, set procedural rules, or make administrative decisions that affect the operation of Parliament.

Several common types of resolution operate. Substantive motions express the Parliament's opinion on policy or events: condemning a foreign government's actions, recognising achievements of Australians, expressing condolences after a national tragedy, or condemning racism or other social ills. Procedural motions adjust the operation of Parliament: ordering a committee to investigate a matter, altering the order of business, or extending sitting hours. The 1992 resolution recognising the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' relationship with the land, the 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations, and the various war and disaster condolence motions are all examples of significant substantive resolutions.

Resolutions follow a similar procedural path to bills but require less elaborate consideration. A member gives notice of the motion, the motion is moved at the appropriate time, members debate the motion, and the House or Senate votes. Passing a resolution requires a simple majority of members present and voting. Resolutions of one House do not require the agreement of the other House to take effect within that House, although joint resolutions (passed identically by both Houses) carry greater weight as expressions of the Parliament as a whole.

Resolutions have practical and symbolic value. Procedural resolutions actually change how the Parliament operates. Substantive resolutions express the country's collective voice on matters of concern, even where the resolution does not change the law. The 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations, moved by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13 February 2008, was a formal resolution rather than legislation, but its symbolic and moral weight was enormous and continues to shape the relationship between the Australian government and Indigenous Australians. Resolutions on Voice, Treaty, and Truth, alongside the work of Closing the Gap, continue this tradition of using parliamentary resolutions to express national intention and recognition.