legislative process Flashcards
what is a bill
a proposed new law is called a bill. it is introduced by the minister raising concern. all bills must pass both houses to become an act of parliament.
process of passing a bill
1) need for a new law is identified
2) draft - the bill is worded
3) first reading- the bill is introduced and everyone is given a copy of the bill
4) second reading- the minister who represents the bill elaborates and it is debated
5) Committee stage- the bill is examined and debated in detail, and amendments are made
6) third reading- the house of representatives votes on the bill; if it passes, it is sent to the senate
7) upper house/ senate- they redo the first, second, committee and third reading stages. if it passes it is sent back to the lower house.
if it doesn’t pass it is either sent back to make amendments or completely rejected. if a bill is rejected twice, it is called a double dissolution whereby both houses are dissolved, the pm is sacked and a new election is held.
8) Royal assent- if it is passed, it is passed to the governor-general for royal assent/ approval and it becomes an act and law is placed in the government gazette.
what is delegated legislation
assigning roles to government departments and local councils to make laws so the parliament can focus on more important things. eg. local council making laws about ATO, education department etc.
