What is the difference between Policy, act, and Legislation in Australia?
Hi Raj, thanks for your question.
A policy is a plan of action to address an issue. Political parties develop policies about issues which they think are important in Australia.
A law passed by the Australian Parliament is called an Act of Parliament. Laws start as bills – proposed laws – which put policies into action. Bills are considered by the Parliament, and if passed, are signed into law by the Governor-General. Laws are often called legislation.
From policy to law.
Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)
From policy to law.
Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)
Description
This diagram illustrates the role of executive government in turning policy into law.
1. The executive government decides policy then drafts and introduces bills to the Parliament.
2. Bills are considered by the Parliament.
3. If passed by the Parliament, the bills are approved by the Governor-General.
4. Bills become Acts of Parliament and therefore laws, which are administered by government departments.
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