Australia · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Australia, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- Constitution
- Binds the Commonwealth and, through section 109, overrides inconsistent state law.
- Commonwealth and state statutes
- Nine parliaments legislate across the federation.
- Case law
- A single Australian common law declared by the High Court.
- Delegated legislation
- Regulations and instruments subject to parliamentary disallowance.
The legislative process
Bills pass both chambers and receive Royal Assent. A persistent deadlock can trigger a double dissolution and, ultimately, a joint sitting.
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