Do government departments have anything to do with making laws?
Yes, often government departments are involved in the law-making process.
Only the Australian Parliament can make and change laws for Australia. However, ministers often work with their department to develop ideas and prepare bills – proposals for new laws or changes to existing laws. If a bill becomes a law, the minister and their department are responsible for putting the law into action.
Sometimes Parliament gives the power to make decisions about the details of laws to the relevant minister or government department. For example, the Department of Health might be given the power to decide the specific standards that medical equipment must meet in Australia. This is called delegated law because the power has been delegated or given to that person or department. This law can be adjusted as needed without requiring a new bill to be passed by Parliament. The Parliament has the right to overrule these delegated decisions if it does not agree with them.
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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