A Bill passes through several stages before becoming an Act:
A Bill can be introduced into Parliament by either a Minister or Private Member after they give a Notice of Motion seeking permission to introduce the Bill.
First Reading
The Clerk of the House reads out the title of the Bill.
Second Reading
The Minister responsible for the Bill outlines the purpose of and reasons for the Bill and gives detail of each clause in the Bill.
Members from both sides of the House express their opinions and debate the principles of the Bill.
Committee stage
The Bill is discussed clause by clause and amendments are voted on and made.
Third reading
The third reading indicates that the Bill has passed through all stages.
The other house
It is then sent to the the other house for the process to be repeated.
If amendments are proposed in the other house, the Bill will be returned to the original house for the amendments to be considered.
Assent
Once a Bill has proceeded through all stages, the Governor gives assent to the Bill, meaning it is now legislation.
Note: A Bill does not necessarily commence on the Assent date.
