Civics and Citizenship - Law Making in Australia

Main Role of Parliament

  • The primary purpose is to make and amend laws.

  • Members of parliament (MPs) should consider their constituents’ views during debates and lawmaking processes.

Recent Changes to Laws in Victoria

  • Proposed changes to renters' rights (e.g., hanging pictures, keeping pets, painting walls).

  • New regulations banning pet shops from selling puppies from puppy farms, focusing on rehoming rescues.

  • Opening of a medically supervised safe-injecting room in North Richmond.

How Laws Are Made

Stage 1: Researching and Drafting

  • A potential bill is researched and drafted by MPs and their teams.

Stage 2: Passing Both Houses of Parliament

  • A proposed law is introduced as a bill, mainly in the Legislative Assembly.

  • It is debated, can be amended, approved, or rejected.

  • If approved, it goes to the Legislative Council for review.

  • For a bill to become law, both Houses must approve it with a majority vote.

Stage 3: Royal Assent

  • The Governor (representative of the Crown) gives formal approval (Royal Assent) to the bill after it passes both houses.

  • Legislation cannot become law until signed by the Governor.

Summary of the Law-Making Process

  1. Research and draft a bill.

  2. Introduce the bill in either the lower or upper house.

  3. Debate the bill and vote in the house.

  4. If approved, send to the other house for debate.

  5. Vote in the other house.

  6. Send the bill to the Governor for Royal Assent.

  7. Bill becomes law upon approval.

Understanding Victorian Identity

  • Consider subjective statements on life in Victoria and reflect on personal opinions related to them.

  • Discuss the following:

    • Associations with Victoria (images, words, ideas).

    • How others might perceive Victoria and its residents.

    • Awareness of current issues affecting Victoria.

    • Sources of information about local affairs.

Issues and Public Response

  • Definition: An issue is a topic that has multiple sides and provokes strong opinions.

  • Examples of triggering events leading to discussions on broader issues (e.g., domestic violence, dog attacks).

Being an Active Citizen

  • Public pressure can lead to law changes.

  • Active citizenship involves being informed about community issues and advocating for change through communication with representatives.

Current Issues in the Community

  • Use newspapers to identify events/issues that evoke pride or shame as a Victorian.

  • Rank local issues from least to most important to personal values.

Understanding Influence on Law Making

  • Collaborate with a partner to research ways individuals can influence law changes.

  • Various methods include petitions, community advocacy, and engaging in public discourse.

Could you please provide more context or specify which videos and PDF you are referring to? I'll need more details to help add relevant notes.