ellenWhat a bill is, and what happens at the end
A bill is a proposed law. Under the usual path of a bill through the Australian Parliament, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament – a law for Australia.
That is the core of how federal law-making works, as described by peo.gov.au: a proposed law travels the usual path, and at the end of it the bill becomes an Act.
Where changes come in
An amendment is a change to a proposed law. An amendment is also described as a change to a bill.
Amendments are an important part of the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. Changes to bills are often suggested during the law-making process.
So when you read a bill, expect that its wording may not be the last word. The changes discussed or made to it are amendments, and they are part of the process rather than something outside it.
What the usual path gives you
The usual path of a bill through the Australian Parliament is the route that takes a bill to becoming Australian law, and it ends with the bill becoming an Act of Parliament.
peo.gov.au also points readers to a "Making a law" video and material on amending an Act of Parliament, which cover what happens to a law once it is an Act.
FAQ
What is an amendment to a bill?
An amendment is a change to a proposed law – a change to a bill.
Are amendments a normal part of law-making in the Australian Parliament?
Yes. Amendments are an important part of the law-making process in the Australian Parliament, and changes to bills are often suggested during that process.
What does a bill become at the end of the usual path?
Under the usual path of a bill through the Australian Parliament, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament – a law for Australia.