Resource
How Does a Bill Become a Law?
Follow eight illustrated steps in a simplified successful federal law-making pathway.
Preview the student activity
Download printer-friendly student PDFCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
What children do
Follow eight illustrated steps in a simplified successful federal law-making pathway.
Download
- Colour student PDF — 1 A4 pages.
- Printer-friendly student PDF — black outlines and white backgrounds.
- Separate answers and educator notes.
Age and preparation
Years 4–6 / ages 9–12. Allow around 25 minutes. A4 paper, pencils and optional colouring tools. Print at actual size.
Use the activity
Read the short instructions together. Model one example, then let children work alone or with a partner. Keep answers separate until they are ready to check.
Accept spoken answers, pointing or a partner scribe when writing is a barrier. For a challenge, ask learners to explain the clue behind an answer. Colour never determines a factual answer.
Scope and accuracy
These pages show a simplified successful pathway. Bills can be amended, delayed or rejected. Many can start in either House; some financial bills must start in the House of Representatives. Both Houses normally agree to identical text before Royal Assent. An Act starts operating on its commencement date.
Factual sources
Reviewed on 2 October 2026 against official Australian sources. Original wording and illustrations are used; official artwork and ballot designs are not reproduced.
