How do Australians find out about new laws?

Parts of a bill.

Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Parts of a bill.

Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Description

This image shows the different sections of a bill. The top third shows the bill title and year. The middle third shows an excerpt from bill clauses and sub-clauses. The bottom third shows excerpts from bill definitions.

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When the Parliament passes a new law or amends – changes – an existing one, the minister responsible for the new law works with their department to make people aware of it. This includes communicating with other government agencies and departments. For example, if the Parliament passes a bill to do with health, the Minister for Health works with the Department of Health to make sure people know about the law.

The media also reports on the bills – proposed laws – the Parliament is considering. If a new law creates a change that will affect Australians, the minister will hold a media conference to publicise and explain the law.

 All Australian laws are listed on the Federal Register of Legislation. The Parliament House website lists all the bills – proposals for new laws or changes to existing ones – that have been introduced into the Australian Parliament since 1996. By searching this webpage, you can find out when a bill was introduced, information about the bill and when it received Royal Assent to become law.