Australian Government

committee

A small group of parliament members who investigate issues, review laws, and report their findings to help Parliament make better decisions.

Justice

A judge of a higher court who interprets and applies the law to make fair and impartial legal decisions.

Party

A group of people with shared political beliefs who work together to influence government decisions and gain seats in Parliament.

MP

A Member of Parliament elected to represent a specific area, or electorate, in the House of Representatives.

High Court (Australia)

The highest court in the country and has the final say on all legal matters. It mainly deals with constitutional issues and appeals from other courts.

Supreme Court

The highest court within each state or territory, handling the most serious criminal cases, major civil disputes, and important appeals.

District Court

A mid-level court that handles serious criminal offences and larger civil cases that are not dealt with by lower courts.

Magistrate’s Court

A lower court that deals with minor criminal offences, small civil disputes, and preliminary hearings for more serious cases.

Judge’s Role

Presides over court cases, interprets and applies the law, and ensures trials are fair and just.

Jury’s Role

Listens to evidence in a trial and delivers a verdict, deciding whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Lobby Group

An organization that tries to influence politicians and government decisions to support a specific cause or interest.

Prosecute

The process where the state or government brings a legal case against someone accused of committing a crime.

Effective

A law, policy, or government action successfully achieves its intended goals and serves the public interest.

Act

A law that has been passed by Parliament and formally enacted to regulate behaviour or manage public affairs.

Bill

A proposed law presented to Parliament for debate and approval before it can become an Act.

Legislation

The collection of laws made by Parliament that set rules and guidelines for society.

The Senate

The upper house of Parliament that reviews, debates, and votes on proposed laws.

House of Representatives

The lower house of Parliament where elected members represent electorates and propose, debate, and pass laws.

Separation of Powers

The division of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to ensure no single branch has too much power.

Executive

The branch responsible for implementing and administering laws, led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Legislature

The branch consisting of Parliament, that makes and passes laws.

Judiciary

The branch of courts and judges responsible for interpreting laws and resolving legal disputes.

Checks and Balances

Mechanisms that ensure each branch—legislature, executive, and judiciary—can limit the power of the others to prevent abuse.

Globalization

The increasing interaction and integration with other countries through trade, politics, culture, and technology.

Consumer

An individual or group that buys or uses goods and services.

Manufacturer

A business or person that produces goods on a large scale for sale to consumers or other businesses.

UN SDG

The global Sustainable Development Goals that guide Australia’s policies and actions to promote social, economic, and environmental wellbeing.

Modern Slavery

Situations where people are forced to work or provide services against their will, often under threat, coercion, or exploitation.