Legislative Assembly
Parliament of Victoria

Fact Sheet 13

Tracking Legislation on the Internet

Steps in Passing a Bill (in detail)

Summary

Bills go through a number of steps to become law. You can view, print and check the progress of bills on Parliament’s website.

Legislative Process

1	House of introduction. Most bills are introduced in the Legislative Assembly, though some can be introduced in the Legislative Council.
2	Introduction and first reading. The member/minister reads out the long title of the bill, which is an overview of what the bill is for. At this stage, the bill remains confidential and is not available on the website.
3	Statement of compatibility tabled. The minister tables a statement of compatibility just before making the second reading speech. The statements are printed in Hansard and for easy access they are also linked to the Bills section. Link to Bills (select relevant bill and click on 'Click Here to View the Statement of Compatibility')
4	Second reading.
	·	The member/minister gives a second reading speech. This speech can be used as a guide in interpreting the bill’s intentions. Transcripts of second reading speeches are available from Hansard and for easy access they are also linked to the bills page. Link to Bills (select relevant bill and click on 'Click Here to View the Second Reading Speech')
	·	Debate on the bill is adjourned for about two weeks, giving members time to study it in detail. The bill is made public at the second reading speech, and is available on the website. The explanatory memorandum is also available and gives an explanation of the bill. Link to Bills (select relevant bill)
	·	Transcripts of the debate are available from Hansard.
5	Consideration in detail. This stage can be skipped if all members agree. It is used where amendments to the bill are discussed or where the bill is examined clause by clause. Transcripts of the debate are available from Hansard. Link to Hansard If amendments are made, another version of the bill is printed. It is called the ‘Amended’ print and it is available online with an updated explanatory memorandum. Link to Bills (select relevant bill)
6	Third Reading. There may be some debate at the this stage, but not usually. Once the bill passes its third reading, it has passed through all stages in the House.
7	Legislative Council. When the Assembly has agreed to a bill, it is sent to the second House, the Legislative Council, where it goes through a similar process.