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Laws and Governance Introduction

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Laws and Governance Introduction

Read the short scenario and complete each challenge. Think about who makes laws, how they are applied and why fair processes matter.

A busy community

At Seabright Park, a new shared path is used by walkers, people riding bikes and families with prams. Some riders travel too fast near the playground. The local council puts up signs asking everyone to slow down. A week later, the state government passes a law requiring people to wear an approved helmet when riding a bicycle on public roads and paths. Police can enforce that law. The council’s signs are advice; the helmet requirement is a law.

1.From the scenario, identify one example of advice and one example of a law. Explain how you can tell the difference.

2.Why might a community make a law requiring bicycle helmets? Choose the strongest reason.

To make every cyclist travel at the same speed
To reduce the risk of serious head injury and help keep people safe
To give the council control over what colour helmets people buy
To stop people from walking in the park

Who does what in Australia?

Australia has three levels of government. Responsibilities can sometimes overlap, but each level has key roles. The Australian Parliament makes federal laws; state and territory parliaments make laws for their jurisdictions; local councils make local decisions and provide community services under state laws.

Australian (federal) government — national matters such as defence and immigration

State or territory government — matters such as public hospitals, schools and roads

Local council — local services such as rubbish collection, libraries and parks

3.Match each community matter to the government level most closely responsible for it.

Defence of Australia
A public library in a local area
Public schools in a state

State or territory government
Australian (federal) government
Local council

4.A neighbourhood wants a new local playground. Which government level would residents most likely contact first, and why?

From an idea to a law

In a parliamentary system, a proposed law is called a bill. Members of Parliament debate and consider it. If the required parliamentary steps are completed and it receives formal approval, it becomes a law. Courts interpret laws and resolve disputes; police enforce laws, while courts decide cases and penalties.

1. A bill is proposed

2. Parliament debates and considers it

3. Required steps and formal approval are completed

4. It becomes a law

5.Put these events in the correct order by writing 1–4 beside each: ___ The proposal becomes a law. ___ Parliament debates a bill. ___ A bill is proposed. ___ Required steps and formal approval are completed.

6.Choose the best description of a court’s role.

To write every new law
To interpret laws and resolve legal disputes
To collect rubbish from streets
To decide which laws police should ignore

Fair rules, fair process

Laws can help protect people, property and rights, and support safety and order. In a democracy, people can share their views about laws, including by contacting representatives. Laws should be applied fairly, and a person accused of breaking a law should have a fair process.

7.True or false? A person accused of breaking a law should be treated as guilty before a court has considered the case. Explain your choice.

8.A new rule would affect people who use a local beach. Give one respectful way residents could share their views with decision-makers.

9.A class is proposing a shared-path rule: “People must slow down near the playground.” Suggest one detail that would make this rule clearer or fairer, and explain why it helps.

10.Complete the sentence: A proposed law is called a . It is considered by before it can become a law.