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 drafters of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

For:

The course is designed for, and open only to, staff of Australian Government agencies who are, or will be, instructing OPC on Bills. Attendees can expect to gain a basic understanding, or to refresh their knowledge, of the processes involved in developing primary legislation. The course will benefit officers who prepare or may prepare drafting instructions.

As places on the courses are limited, attendance is strictly for people who will be instructing OPC in the near future.

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 Katy Ghassemi on (02) 6270 1475 or email courses@opc.gov.au for availability of places, application 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 application form and fax or email it to:

Katy Ghassemi, Course Coordinator
Fax: (02) 6270 1402
Phone: (02) 6270 1475
Email: courses@opc.gov.au

Application Form (31KB)

Cost (GST inclusive):

• $575 per individual

Payment:

Fees are payable by direct debit or cheque upon receipt of tax invoice (OPC account details are listed on the tax invoice issued subject to course placement offer and confirmation). Credit Cards are not accepted.