How laws are made

Every federal law starts as a bill. Here is the journey from idea to Act:

1. Idea

Comes from a minister, a backbench MP, a Senate committee, a public inquiry, or (rarely) a citizens' petition.

2. Drafting

The Office of Parliamentary Counsel turns the policy into precise legal text.

3. Introduction (First Reading)

The bill is formally introduced — usually in the House of Representatives — and its title is read.

4. Second Reading

The minister explains the bill's purpose. MPs debate whether it should proceed in principle.

5. Consideration in Detail

MPs go through the bill clause by clause and can move amendments.

6. Third Reading

The final version is voted on. If it passes, it moves to the Senate.

7. Senate

The Senate repeats readings 1–3. It can pass, amend, or block the bill. If the Senate amends, the House must agree — bills sometimes bounce back and forth.

8. Royal Assent

The Governor-General signs the agreed bill. It is now an Act of Parliament and becomes law on the date it specifies.

Fun fact: About 200 bills are introduced each year; roughly 80% pass.

Sources: aph.gov.au — Making Laws.