Path of a bill [232KB]

Path of a bill

This is a simplified visual depiction of the path of a bill from idea to law. It includes the mandatory first, second and third reading stages in both chambers.

Note:

Most bills may begin in either chamber; however the majority of bills begin in the House.

The law-making process [100KB]

The law-making process

This is a linear model of the law-making process. It includes mandatory stages and optional stages (see brackets) in the House of Representatives and Senate through to royal approval.

Note:

• Most bills may begin in either chamber; however the majority of bills begin in the House.
• The size of each box relates to its relative importance in the process.

Amending a bill [550KB]

Amending a bill

This is a simplified depiction of a bill. It demonstrates that a bill may be amended by adding, deleting or substituting words.

Note:

House of Representatives seating plan [129KB]

House of Representatives seating plan

This chamber diagram provides a seating plan which indicates the major roles in the House of Representatives.

Note:

Other roles in the chamber include chamber attendants, advisors, whips, government and non-government backbench members.

House of Representatives composition [162KB]

House of Representatives composition

This chamber diagram shows the current composition of the House of Representatives.

Note:

• A majority of bills begin in the House of Representatives.
• The majority of bills are government bills.
• Unfilled seats provide for the future expansion of the Parliament.

Senate seating plan [121KB]

Senate seating plan

This chamber diagram provides a seating plan which indicates the major roles in the Senate.

Note:

Other roles in the chamber include chamber attendants, advisors, whips, government and non-government backbench senators.

Senate composition [153KB]

Senate composition

This chamber diagram shows the current composition of the Senate.

Note:

• A minority of bills begin in the Senate.
• Of those that begin in the Senate, the majority are government bills.
• Unfilled seats provide for the future expansion of the Parliament.

Groups in the current Parliament [209KB]

Groups in the current Parliament

This simple representation of the Parliament defines the major groupings in the Parliament.

Note:

• The House of Representatives is bigger than the Senate (150 members to 76 senators).
• The government and opposition are in both chambers.
• Independents and minor party members may be elected to either chamber.

From policy to law [219KB]

From policy to law

This diagram describes the role of executive government.

Note:

• Executive government (ministers) are responsible for the introduction of the majority of bills to the Parliament.
• The Parliament may accept or reject a bill.
• Ministers are responsible for the effective operation of Australian law.

Opposition scrutiny [200KB]

Opposition scrutiny

This diagram describes a major role of the opposition which is to scrutinise—examine closely—the actions of the government.

Note:

• Scrutiny is carried out by the opposition and other non-government members in both chambers and through the investigations of parliamentary committees.
• Scrutiny puts pressure on the government to act responsibly.

Executive government in the House of Representatives [137KB]

Executive government in the House of Representatives

This diagram isolates executive government (or the Executive) as a subset of the [whole] government in the House of Representatives.

Note:

During Question Time executive government (the ministry) is required to answer questions from members of Parliament.

Executive government in the Senate [131KB]

Executive government in the Senate

This diagram isolates executive government (or the Executive) as a subset of the [whole] government in the Senate.

Note:

During Question Time executive government (the ministry) is required to answer questions from senators of the Parliament.

Parliament and government [253KB]

Parliament and government

This diagram describes the separate role of the Parliament in making law (legislating) and executive government in implementing law (executing).

Note:

House of Representatives committee [194KB]

House of Representatives committee

This chamber diagram provides one example of the membership of a House committee investigating ‘working hours’.

Note:

• Many different committees operate through the Parliament.
• Committees are made up of government and non-government backbenchers.
• House of Representatives committees usually focus on community based issues.

Senate committee [183KB]

Senate committee

This chamber diagram provides one example of the membership of a Senate committee investigating a hypothetical ‘ASIO bill’.

Note:

• Many different committees operate through the Parliament.
• Committees are made up of government and non-government backbenchers.
• Senate committees usually focus on legislation passing through the chamber.

Example advertisement for a Senate committee [505KB]

Example advertisement for a Senate committee

This diagram is a mock-up of an advertisement appearing in a newspaper inviting written submissions to a hypothetical committee of inquiry.

Note:

• Such advertisements summarise the purpose of the inquiry and invite interested Australians to participate.
• The terms of reference list the focus of the inquiry.
• Parliamentary officers (called the secretariat) coordinate the operations of the committee.