The Legislative Process in Australian Parliament

House of Representatives

Lower house where bills are debated and voted.

House committee

Public inquiry into the bill before reporting.

Consideration in detail

Detailed discussion and amendments to the bill.

3rd reading (House)

Final vote on the bill in the House.

Senate

Upper house where bills undergo further scrutiny.

1st reading (Senate)

Introduction of the bill to the Senate.

2nd reading (Senate)

Debate and vote on the bill's main idea.

Senate committee

Public inquiry into the bill for Senate review.

Committee of the whole

Detailed discussion and amendments in the Senate.

3rd reading (Senate)

Final vote on the bill in the Senate.

Royal Assent

Governor-General's signature to enact the bill.

Act of Parliament

Law established after a bill receives Royal Assent.

Parliament

The national or state law-making body that is made up of elected representatives in two houses.

Statutes

An act of Parliament

Statutory Authority

The body that gives Parliament the power to make laws on their behalf.