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 and issue. Political parties develop policies about issues which they think are important in Australia.

The government introduces most bills into the Parliament, which are ideas for laws which will put their policies into action. Those bills are considered by the Parliament, and if passed, are approved by the Governor-General as a new law for Australia. A law is called an Act of Parliament, which is administered by government departments. Laws are often referred to collectively as 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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