FIGURE2 How laws are made in federal parliament
The usual path of a bill
First reading The Bill is introduced to the House of Representatives.
First reading The Bill is introduced in the Senate.
Royal assent The governor-general signs the Bill.
Second reading Members debate and vote on the main idea of the Bill.
Second reading Senators debate and vote on the main idea of the Bill.
The Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
House committee* Public inquiry into the Bill. Reports back to the House.
Senate committee* Public inquiry into the Bill. Reports back to the Senate.
A law for Australia
Consideration in detail* Members discuss the Bill in detail, including any changes to the Bill.
Committee of the whole* Senators discuss the Bill in detail, including any changes to the Bill.
Third reading members vote on the Bill in its final form.
Third reading Senators vote on the Bill in its final form.
Bill is passed in the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate.
Bill is passed in the Senate.
*optional stage
Senate referral The Senate may refer the text of the Bill to a Senate committee for inquiry (this can happen while the Bill is in the House).
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SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. Where do ideas for laws come from? 2. Why do you think most Australian parliaments have two houses? 3. Why might a proposed law be changed when it is being debated in parliament?
532 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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