Legislation Process Course

A one day introduction to the process of developing primary legislation (Acts)

Presenters:

The course is presented by a team of experienced members of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel led by an SES drafter.

For:

The course is designed for, and open only to, staff of Australian Government agencies who would like to gain a basic understanding, or to refresh their knowledge, of the processes involved in developing primary legislation. The course may benefit:

• officers who prepare or may prepare drafting instructions
• officers working in legislation or legal areas
• officers who may need to comment on draft legislation.

The course does not deal with subordinate legislation (eg regulations).

Topics:

• the background against which legislation is prepared (basic features of Acts; Acts of general application; Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee)
• the roles of the instructor and drafter (authorities and approvals; developing policy; providing instructions; the drafting process)
• stages after drafting is finished (clearances; introduction into, and passage through, Parliament).

Expected outcomes:

At the end of the course participants should have a better understanding of how to:

• contribute to the planning and conduct of legislative projects within their own organisations
• provide drafting instructions
• devise policy options:
  
  
  • which are more readily translated into legislative form
  • which are less likely to attract the attention of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills
    
    
• make a contribution to the processes of revising and finalising draft Bills prepared by OPC.

Course material:

A comprehensive course manual is provided.

When:

All courses are held at 8.45 am-5.00 pm.

Check with Anna Chu (02) 6270 1475 for availability of places, registration forms or further information.

Where:

Office of Parliamentary Counsel
Main Conference Room
2nd Floor, MTAA House
39 Brisbane Avenue, BARTON, 2600

Comments from previous courses

'Very clear and informative course.'

'It is clear that the course is well considered and covers a wide range of topics which impinge on the drafting process.'

'The presenters were very good and happy to answer any questions. The practical exercises were also of great benefit.'

'Overall the course was very well conducted and planned and sessions flowed well.'

'This course has been one of the best courses that I have attended since becoming a public servant.'

'Overall a very valuable course. The joint presentation role was very effective. The provision of detailed course notes was very useful.'

'Presenters very good and knew subject matter well. Notes clear and easy to follow.'

'The practical exercises were excellent and truly engaged all the attendees!'

'I found the course interesting and very useful. The venue was very impressive and the presenters made all the participants feel comfortable and free to ask any questions, at any time, during the sessions.'

To register:

Download, print and fill in the registration form and fax it to:

Anna Chu, Course Co-ordinator
Fax: (02) 6270 1403
Phone: (02) 6270 1475

(no more courses scheduled for 2008 - new registration form will appear here in 2009)

Cost (GST inclusive):

• $550 per individual

Payment:

Fees are payable by direct debit or cheque upon receipt of tax invoice (OPC account details are listed on Registration Form). Credit Cards are not accepted.