Outline the steps a bill goes through to become law in Australia.

Outline the steps a bill goes through to become law in Australia.

• A. Introduction, readings and debate, committee stage, passage by both houses, Royal Assent by the Governor-General
• B. Introduction and instant enactment by the Governor-General
• C. Only a decision by the Prime Minister
• D. Referendum by the people

Answer: (C)

Laws in Australia are made when a bill moves through Parliament and then receives Royal Assent from the Governor-General. The bill is first introduced and goes through a formal process of readings and debate, along with a committee stage where details are examined and amendments can be proposed. After the first, second, and third readings, the bill is sent to the other house to go through a similar process. If both houses approve, the bill goes to the Governor-General for Royal Assent, and it becomes law. This reflects why simply a decision by the Prime Minister cannot create a law—laws require debate, refinement, and two houses of Parliament agreeing, plus formal approval by the Governor-General. The referendum option is used for constitutional changes, not ordinary legislation.

Laws in Australia are made when a bill moves through Parliament and then receives Royal Assent from the Governor-General. The bill is first introduced and goes through a formal process of readings and debate, along with a committee stage where details are examined and amendments can be proposed. After the first, second, and third readings, the bill is sent to the other house to go through a similar process. If both houses approve, the bill goes to the Governor-General for Royal Assent, and it becomes law.

This reflects why simply a decision by the Prime Minister cannot create a law—laws require debate, refinement, and two houses of Parliament agreeing, plus formal approval by the Governor-General. The referendum option is used for constitutional changes, not ordinary legislation.