Explainer· May 2026 · 1 min read
What Are Standing Orders?
The rulebook that governs how a legislature actually conducts its business.
- Last verified
- 3 Sep 2026
Standing Orders are the procedural rules adopted by a legislative House to organise its business. They govern matters such as sittings, debate, committees, questions, motions, Bills and the authority of the presiding officer.
Key terms
- Standing Orders
- The formal rules of procedure adopted by a legislative House to govern how it conducts its business.
Frequently asked
- Can Standing Orders be changed?
- Yes—a House may amend its own Standing Orders, typically through a defined procedural process.
Cite this
The Legislative Centre (2026). What Are Standing Orders? [Explainer]. https://www.thelegislativecentre.com/resources/insights/what-are-standing-orders