1. HASS – Civics and Citizenship
How laws are initiated and passed through the Federal Parliament (ACHCK037)

2. Specific Learning Outcomes:
W.A.L.T. (We are learning to…)
discuss where ideas for new laws can come from, for example in response to a community concern
investigate the stages of the passage of a bill
observe an Australian parliament in session, in situ or virtually

3. Revision of last week:
Who is the Premier of Western Australia?
Who is the Queen’s representative in Australia?
What is an absolute monarchy?
What sorts of things did King John have to agree to in the Magna Carta?
What is democracy?
How would our lives be different without democracy?

4. VIDEO
What is Parliament?

5. Brainstorm:
Think of something you would like to see debated in parliament and made into law one day. It might only be a small change to a current law.
Where do laws start? How do you go about getting a law passed? Who could you talk to if you had an idea?

6. Group Worksheet:
How do you think laws are made?
Match these answers to your worksheet
*This is how laws are passed in the NT
Cabinet
First reading Clerk Minister
Second reading
Adjourned
Parliamentary sittings
urgent
Third reading
Vote
passed
Ideas
Government
Parliament
Administrator
assent
Bill
Government
Member’s
Cabinet
Committee stage
amendments
Act

7. Group Worksheet:
ANSWERS 2
Cabinet 4
First reading Clerk Minister 5
Second reading
Adjourned
Parliamentary sittings
urgent 7
Third reading
Vote
passed 1
Ideas
Government
Parliament 8
Administrator
assent 3
Bill
Government
Member’s
Cabinet 6
Committee stage
amendments 9
Act

8. Making a law VIDEO
After watching the video, recap these in order:

9. Now it’s your turn…
Pass the Bill interactive

10. Imagine: the Australian Government is looking at passing a law which states that all Primary School students should go to school 6 days a week instead of 5.
Do your research. List 3 reasons for and 3 reasons against.

11. Reflection – Quiz:
What is Parliament?
Where do bills get read first – House of Representatives or the Senate?
What does the Governor General have to do when a new law is passed?
What colour seats do the Senate sit in?