An idea for a new law begins with a proposal in parliament. The bill is then debated and can be amended. It must pass a vote in the House of Representatives and the Senate. If approved, it goes to the Governor-General for final approval before becoming law. The new law can then be enforced by the courts and police.

1. Steps in Making a LawSteps in Making a Law

2. When a government is elected…When a government is elected…
they have ideas or policies aboutthey have ideas or policies about
important issues such as …important issues such as …

3. education…education…

4. health …health …

5. defence…defence…

6. and immigration.and immigration.

7. One of the main roles of aOne of the main roles of a
government is to make lawsgovernment is to make laws

8. A law starts off withA law starts off with
an idea from someone.an idea from someone.
I think
children
should have
longer school
hours!
I think
children
should have
longer school
hours!

9. A Bill (a proposed law) is draftedA Bill (a proposed law) is drafted
and introduced to parliament.and introduced to parliament.

10. The BillThe Bill’’s first reading is in thes first reading is in the
House of Representatives.House of Representatives.
I strongly
believe that
children should
have longer
school hours!
I strongly
believe that
children should
have longer
school hours!

11. During the second reading the BillDuring the second reading the Bill
is debated.is debated.
Yeh. The
opposition
really caned us.
Yeh. The
opposition
really caned us.
I won’t be so
nervous
next time…
I won’t be so
nervous
next time…
We have
to present
a better
argument.
We have
to present
a better
argument.

12. Amendments or changes are madeAmendments or changes are made
to the Bill.to the Bill.
Let’s make
some
changes…
Let’s make
some
changes…
Yeh. This is
so old
school!
Yeh. This is
so old
school!

13. The Bill is voted on. (Who do youThe Bill is voted on. (Who do you
think usually wins?)think usually wins?)

14. The Bill is then sent to the SenateThe Bill is then sent to the Senate
for its first reading.for its first reading.

15. During the second reading the BillDuring the second reading the Bill
is debated.is debated.
They don’t know
what they’re
talking about…
They don’t know
what they’re
talking about…
I know. It’s
embarrassing
just watching
them.
I know. It’s
embarrassing
just watching
them.

16. A Senate committee may considerA Senate committee may consider
the Bill and seek public opinion.the Bill and seek public opinion.
I think we
should ask
the people.
I think we
should ask
the people.
How
exciting!
How
exciting!
At last
someone’s
got some
sense.
At last
someone’s
got some
sense.

17. The Bill is voted on. (Who wins?)The Bill is voted on. (Who wins?)

18. The Bill is sent to theThe Bill is sent to the
Governor-GeneralGovernor-General
for Royal assent.for Royal assent.I represent
the Queen.
I represent
the Queen.
That’s me!That’s me!

19. The Bill is now a Law thatThe Bill is now a Law that
may be enforced by …may be enforced by …

20. the courtsthe courts
That’s
my job!
That’s
my job!
And this
is where I
work!
And this
is where I
work!

21. and police…and police…
Yeh!Yeh!
This is what
happens when
you don’t stay at
school for 12
hours each day!
This is what
happens when
you don’t stay at
school for 12
hours each day!
Well I going to speak to my
local member about this!
Well I going to speak to my
local member about this!