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How are laws made? · 1 min read

How are laws made?

The Australian Parliament has the power to make or change laws in Australia to benefit the nation.

If a member of the Australian Parliament proposes to introduce a new law or change an existing one, this proposal is called a ‘Bill’.

The House of Representatives and the Senate consider, debate and vote on whether they agree with the Bill.

If the majority of members in each House of Parliament agree to the Bill, it goes to the Governor-General.

The Governor-General signs a Bill so that it becomes law. This is called ‘Royal Assent’.

State and territory parliaments make their own laws in a similar way.

Test yourself on this topic

6 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. A member of the Australian Parliament proposes a new law. What is this proposal called?

    • A petition
    • A ballot
    • A Bill
    • A portfolio

    Explanation: Any proposal to make a new law or change an existing one starts life as a Bill.

  2. 2. How do state and territory parliaments make their own laws?

    • By asking the Australian Parliament to vote for them
    • In a similar way to the Australian Parliament
    • By handing the work to their local councils
    • Only with the written permission of the Prime Minister

    Explanation: States and territories follow much the same law making steps as the national Parliament does.

  3. 3. What is it called when the Governor-General signs a Bill so that it becomes law?

    • Royal Assent
    • Royal Commission
    • Royal Charter
    • Royal Decree

    Explanation: The Governor-General's signature is the final step, and it is known as Royal Assent.

  4. 4. What must happen before a Bill is sent to the Governor-General?

    • Every single member of both Houses must vote for it
    • A majority in each House of Parliament must agree to it
    • The Prime Minister must approve it inside the Cabinet
    • A majority of the state parliaments must agree to it

    Explanation: The Bill only moves on once more than half the members of each House have supported it.

  5. 5. Which bodies consider, debate and vote on a Bill?

    • The Prime Minister and the ministers
    • The Cabinet and the Governor-General
    • The House of Representatives and the Senate
    • The state and territory parliaments

    Explanation: Both Houses of the Australian Parliament must look at a Bill, argue about it and vote on it.

  6. 6. Who has the power to make or change laws in Australia to benefit the nation?

    • Local governments
    • The state premiers
    • The Cabinet
    • The Australian Parliament

    Explanation: National laws are made and changed by the Australian Parliament.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet