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How Laws Are Made
From idea to Act of Parliament
Every federal law in Australia travels through the same eight stages. Tap a step to see what happens, a real example, and where to verify it.
1
Stage 1 of 8 · Idea
Idea & Policy Development
An issue is identified and a policy response is drafted.
Ideas for new laws come from the government's agenda, election commitments, recommendations from royal commissions, public service advice, or community campaigns. The relevant Minister works with their department and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to draft a bill.
Real example
The 2022 National Anti-Corruption Commission proposal grew out of long-standing public and crossbench pressure for a federal integrity body.
Quick glossary
- Bill
- A proposal for a new law, or a change to an existing law.
- Act
- A bill that has passed both houses and received royal assent.
- Hansard
- The official transcript of everything said in Parliament — searchable on aph.gov.au.
- Royal assent
- Formal sign-off by the Governor-General that turns a bill into law.
- Money bill
- A bill that imposes tax or appropriates funds. Must start in the House of Reps.
- Double dissolution
- Dissolving both houses to break a deadlock under Constitution s.57.