Approximately how many bills are introduced to parliament in a week and how many are passed?

A woman in a grey jacket is standing at a desk in a red room. She is speaking. Other women sit on benches around her, listening to her speak.

A senator speaking in the Senate.

DPS Auspic

A senator speaking in the Senate.

A woman in a grey jacket is standing at a desk in a red room. She is speaking. Other women sit on benches around her, listening to her speak.

DPS Auspic

Description

A senator speaking in the Senate.

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Interesting question Indy. The number of bills – proposed laws – introduced, debated and passed by the Australian Parliament during a sitting week varies greatly. For example, in one sitting week 14 bills were introduced into Parliament (11 in the House of Representatives and 3 in the Senate) and no bills were passed by both houses. In a similar week, one bill was introduced (in the Senate) and no bills were passed.

The number of bills passed by both houses and signed into law by the Governor-General over the life of a parliament also varies. In the first 6 months of the 46th Parliament,  79 bills were given Royal Assent (approved by the Governor-General). For comparison, Royal Assent was given to 566 bills passed in the entire 43rd Parliament (approximately 3 years).