Exhibition panels

Legislative Council Members represent people from their constituencies and convey to the Government the concerns of the public about issues being considered by the Legislative Council. Members’ responsibilities are wide-ranging, including attending Council meetings, participating in committees’ work, handling public complaints, as well as taking part in liaison activities.

The Legislative Council is the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It plays an important role in many aspects of our lives, from the laws that govern us to the public policies that are closely related to our daily lives. The powers and functions of the Legislative Council are set out in Article 73 of the Basic Law, which include debating the Chief Executive’s policy addresses and approving the Government’s budgets.

One of the Legislative Council’s main roles is to make and amend laws. The law-making process, also known as the three-reading procedure, provides stages of deliberations through which both the principles and details of the proposed laws are thoroughly examined by Members.

The Legislative Council looks closely at the Government’s tax and spending plans and tries to make sure that public money is being spent fairly and efficiently. The Government’s Budget is presented annually to the Council for approval, and its other financial proposals are considered and approved by the Finance Committee.

The Legislative Council provides checks and balances to the powers and functions of the Government. One way the Government is held to account is at Council meetings, where Members question public officers directly and debate issues concerning public interest. Through its committee system, the Legislative Council also reflects the opinions of the community on specific issues of public interest and makes recommendations to the Government on what might be improved.

The Legislative Council normally meets every Wednesday in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Complex to discuss government policies, proposed new laws and current issues. The business at its regular meetings includes tabling subsidiary legislation, papers and reports; asking questions; considering bills; and debating motions.

The Legislative Council carries out part of its functions through its committees. Under the committee system, Members work on specific tasks, often in smaller groups, and exchange views among themselves and with others concerned such as the Government and interested parties. It also provides a direct channel of communication with the public.

There are many ways you can get involved with the Legislative Council and have your say on the issues that affect you.