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Commonwealth of Australia Constitution
Act
(The Constitution)
This compilation was prepared on 25 July 2003
taking into account alterations up to Act No. 84 o !"##
[Note: This compilation contains all amendments to the Constitution
made by the Constitution Alterations specified in Note 1
Additions to the text are shown in bold type
Omitted text is shown as ruled throuh!
$repared %y the &ice o 'egislati(e )rating*
Attorney+,eneral-s )epartment* an%erra
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ontentsCo"erin clauses
! /hort title see Note !1......................................................................
2 Act to etend to the ueen-s successors............................................
3 $roclamation o ommonwealth see Note 21...................................
4 ommencement o Act......................................................................
5 &peration o the onstitution and laws see Note 31.........................
)einitions........................................................................................
# epeal o 6ederal ouncil Act see Note 41......................................
8 Application o olonial 7oundaries Act........................................... .
" onstitution see Note !1...................................................................
Chapter #$The %arliament
%art #$&eneral! 'egislati(e power ..............................................................................
2 ,o(ernor+,eneral.............................................................................
3 /alary o ,o(ernor+,eneral..............................................................
4 $ro(isions relating to ,o(ernor+,eneral...........................................
5 /essions o $arliament. $rorogation and dissolution.........................
early session o $arliament.............................................................
%art ##$The 'enate# The /enate see Note 51....................................................................
8 ualiication o electors....................................................................
" 9ethod o election o senators see Note 1......................................
!0 Application o /tate laws..................................................................
!! 6ailure to choose senators.................................................................
!2 :ssue o writs.....................................................................................
!3 otation o senators...........................................................................
!4 6urther pro(ision or rotation see Note #1........................................
!5 asual (acancies see Note 81...........................................................
! ualiications o senator ...................................................................
!# ;lection o $resident.........................................................................
!8 A%sence o $resident.........................................................................
!" esignation o senator .......................................................................
20 <acancy %y a%sence...........................................................................
2! <acancy to %e notiied.......................................................................
22 uorum.............................................................................................
23 <oting in the /enate..........................................................................
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act iii
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%art ###$The ouse of epresentati"es24 onstitution o =ouse o epresentati(es........................................
25 $ro(ision as to races dis>ualiied rom (oting.................................
2 epresentati(es in irst $arliament..................................................
2# Alteration o num%er o mem%ers...................................................
28 )uration o =ouse o epresentati(es.............................................
2" ;lectoral di(isions see Note "1.......................................................
30 ualiication o electors..................................................................
3! Application o /tate laws................................................................
32 ?rits or general election................................................................
33 ?rits or (acancies..........................................................................
34 ualiications o mem%ers..............................................................
35 ;lection o /peaker .........................................................................
3 A%sence o /peaker .........................................................................
3# esignation o mem%er ...................................................................
38 <acancy %y a%sence.........................................................................
3" uorum...........................................................................................
40 <oting in =ouse o epresentati(es.................................................
%art #*$+oth ouses of the %arliament4! ight o electors o /tates...............................................................
42 &ath or airmation o allegiance.....................................................
43 9em%er o one =ouse ineligi%le or other .......................................
44 )is>ualiication...............................................................................
45 <acancy on happening o dis>ualiication.......................................
4 $enalty or sitting when dis>ualiied...............................................
4# )isputed elections...........................................................................
48 Allowance to mem%ers....................................................................
4" $ri(ileges etc. o =ouses.................................................................
50 ules and orders..............................................................................
%art *$%owers of the %arliament5! 'egislati(e powers o the $arliament see Notes !0 and !!1
........................................................................................................
52 ;clusi(e powers o the $arliament................................................
53 $owers o the =ouses in respect o legislation................................
54 Appropriation 7ills..........................................................................
55 Ta 7ill...........................................................................................
5 ecommendation o money (otes...................................................
5# )isagreement %etween the =ouses..................................................
58 oyal assent to 7ills........................................................................
5" )isallowance %y the ueen.............................................................
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0 /igniication o ueen-s pleasure on 7ills reser(ed........................
Chapter ##$The ,xecuti"e &o"ernment! ;ecuti(e power
..............................................................................
2 6ederal ;ecuti(e ouncil..............................................................
3 $ro(isions reerring to ,o(ernor+,eneral.......................................
4 9inisters o /tate............................................................................
5 Num%er o 9inisters.......................................................................
/alaries o 9inisters........................................................................
# Appointment o ci(il ser(ants.........................................................
8 ommand o na(al and military orces............................................
" Transer o certain departments.......................................................
#0 ertain powers o ,o(ernors to (est in ,o(ernor+,eneral..............
Chapter ###$The -udicature#! Judicial power and ourts
...............................................................
#2 Judges- appointment* tenure* and remuneration...............................
#3 Appellate @urisdiction o =igh ourt...............................................
#4 Appeal to ueen in ouncil see Note !21......................................
#5 &riginal @urisdiction o =igh ourt.................................................
# Additional original @urisdiction.......................................................
## $ower to deine @urisdiction............................................................
#8 $roceedings against ommonwealth or /tate..................................
#" Num%er o @udges............................................................................
80 Trial %y @ury....................................................................................
Chapter #*$.inance and Trade8! onsolidated e(enue 6und............................................................
82 ;penditure charged thereon...........................................................
83 9oney to %e appropriated %y law....................................................
84 Transer o oicers..........................................................................
85 Transer o property o /tate...........................................................
8 ustoms* ecise* and %ounties1 see Note !31................................
8# e(enue rom customs and ecise duties1 see Note !31................
88 niorm duties o customs..............................................................
8" $ayment to /tates %eore uniorm duties.........................................
"0 ;clusi(e power o(er customs* ecise* and %ounties.......................
"! ;ceptions as to %ounties................................................................
"2 Trade within the ommonwealth to %e ree.....................................
"3 $ayment to /tates or i(e years ater uniorm taris......................
"4 )istri%ution o surplus.....................................................................
"5 ustoms duties o ?estern Australia...............................................
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" 6inancial assistance to /tates...........................................................
"# Audit...............................................................................................
"8 Trade and commerce includes na(igation and /tate railways........................................................................................................
"" ommonwealth not to gi(e preerence............................................
!00 Nor a%ridge right to use water .........................................................
!0! :nter+/tate ommission...................................................................
!02 $arliament may or%id preerences %y /tate....................................
!03 ommissioners- appointment* tenure* and remuneration.................
!04 /a(ing o certain rates.....................................................................
!05 Taking o(er pu%lic de%ts o /tates...................................................
!05A Agreements with respect to /tate de%ts...........................................
Chapter *$The 'tates!0 /a(ing o onstitutions...................................................................
!0# /a(ing o $ower o /tate $arliaments.............................................
!08 /a(ing o /tate laws........................................................................
!0" :nconsistency o laws......................................................................
!!0 $ro(isions reerring to ,o(ernor .....................................................
!!! /tates may surrender territory.........................................................
!!2 /tates may le(y charges or inspection laws....................................
!!3 :ntoicating li>uids..........................................................................
!!4 /tates may not raise orces. Taation o property o
ommonwealth or /tate..................................................................
!!5 /tates not to coin money.................................................................
!! ommonwealth not to legislate in respect o religion......................
!!# ights o residents in /tates............................................................
!!8 ecognition o laws etc. o /tates...................................................
!!" $rotection o /tates rom in(asion and (iolence..............................
!20 ustody o oenders against laws o the ommonwealth...............
Chapter *#$New 'tates!2! New /tates may %e admitted or esta%lished.....................................
!22 ,o(ernment o territories................................................................
!23 Alteration o limits o /tates............................................................
!24 6ormation o new /tates..................................................................
Chapter *##$/iscellaneous!25 /eat o ,o(ernment.........................................................................
!2 $ower to =er 9a@esty to authorise ,o(ernor+,eneral to
appoint deputies see Note !41........................................................
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Chapter *###$Alteration of the Constitution!28 9ode o altering the onstitution see Note !1................................
'chedule
Notes
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act vii
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An Act to constitute the Commonwealth of
Australia"th July !"001
?=;;A/ the people o New /outh ?ales* <ictoria* /outh Australia*
ueensland* and Tasmania* hum%ly relying on the %lessing o Almighty ,od*
ha(e agreed to unite in one indissolu%le 6ederal ommonwealth under the
rown o the nited Bingdom o ,reat 7ritain and :reland* and under the
onstitution here%y esta%lishedC
And whereas it is epedient to pro(ide or the admission into the
ommonwealth o other Australasian olonies and possessions o the ueenC
7e it thereore enacted %y the ueen-s most ;cellent 9a@esty* %y and withthe ad(ice and consent o the 'ords /piritual and Temporal* and ommons* in
this present $arliament assem%led* and %y the authority o the same* as ollowsC
1 'hort title see Note !1
This Act may %e cited as the ommonwealth o Australia
onstitution Act.
0 Act to extend to the ueen2s successors
The pro(isions o this Act reerring to the ueen shall etend to
=er 9a@esty-s heirs and successors in the so(ereignty o the nitedBingdom.
3 %roclamation of Commonwealth see Note 21
:t shall %e lawul or the ueen* with the ad(ice o the $ri(y
ouncil* to declare %y proclamation that* on and ater a day therein
appointed* not %eing later than one year ater the passing o this
Act* the people o New /outh ?ales* <ictoria* /outh Australia*
ueensland* and Tasmania* and also* i =er 9a@esty is satisied
that the people o ?estern Australia ha(e agreed thereto* o
?estern Australia* shall %e united in a 6ederal ommonwealth
under the name o the ommonwealth o Australia. 7ut the ueenmay* at any time ater the proclamation* appoint a
,o(ernor+,eneral or the ommonwealth.
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act Error! No text of specified style in document.
9
/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_6/243052159.oc 4/9/2014 12!09 A"
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lause 4
4 Commencement of Act
The ommonwealth shall %e esta%lished* and the onstitution othe ommonwealth shall take eect* on and ater the day so
appointed. 7ut the $arliaments o the se(eral colonies may at any
time ater the passing o this Act make any such laws* to come into
operation on the day so appointed* as they might ha(e made i the
onstitution had taken eect at the passing o this Act.
5 Operation of the Constitution and laws see Note 31
This Act* and all laws made %y the $arliament o the
ommonwealth under the onstitution* shall %e %inding on the
courts* @udges* and people o e(ery /tate and o e(ery part o the
ommonwealth* notwithstanding anything in the laws o any /tateDand the laws o the ommonwealth shall %e in orce on all 7ritish
ships* the ueen-s ships o war ecepted* whose irst port o
clearance and whose port o destination are in the ommonwealth.
6 7efinitions
The Commonwealth shall mean the ommonwealth o Australia
as esta%lished under this Act.
The States shall mean such o the colonies o New /outh ?ales*
New Eealand* ueensland* Tasmania* <ictoria* ?estern Australia*
and /outh Australia* including the northern territory o /outhAustralia* as or the time %eing are parts o the ommonwealth*
and such colonies or territories as may %e admitted into or
esta%lished %y the ommonwealth as /tatesD and each o such parts
o the ommonwealth shall %e called a State.
Original States shall mean such /tates as are parts o the
ommonwealth at its esta%lishment.
8 epeal of .ederal Council Act see Note 41
The 6ederal ouncil o Australasia Act* !885* is here%y repealed*
%ut so as not to aect any laws passed %y the 6ederal ouncil o
Australasia and in orce at the esta%lishment o the
ommonwealth.
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lause 8
Any such law may %e repealed as to any /tate %y the $arliament o
the ommonwealth* or as to any colony not %eing a /tate %y the
$arliament thereo.
9 Application of Colonial +oundaries Act
Ater the passing o this Act the olonial 7oundaries Act* !8"5*
shall not apply to any colony which %ecomes a /tate o the
ommonwealthD %ut the ommonwealth shall %e taken to %e a
sel+go(erning colony or the purposes o that Act.
Constitution see Note !1
The onstitution o the ommonwealth shall %e as ollowsC
The Constitution
This onstitution is di(ided as ollowsC
hapter :FThe $arliament
$art :F,eneral
$art ::FThe /enate
$art :::FThe =ouse o epresentati(es
$art :<F7oth =ouses o the $arliament
$art <F$owers o the $arliament
hapter ::FThe ;ecuti(e ,o(ernment
hapter :::FThe Judicaturehapter :<F6inance and Trade
hapter <FThe /tates
hapter <:FNew /tates
hapter <::F9iscellaneous
hapter <:::FAlteration o the onstitution
The /chedule
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Chapter #$The %arliament
%art #$&eneral
1 ;eislati"e power
The legislati(e power o the ommonwealth shall %e (ested in a
6ederal $arliament* which shall consist o the ueen* a /enate* and
a =ouse o epresentati(es* and which is hereinater called The
Parliament * or The Parliament of the Commonwealth.
0 &o"ernor<&eneral
A ,o(ernor+,eneral appointed %y the ueen shall %e =er
9a@esty-s representati(e in the ommonwealth* and shall ha(e and
may eercise in the ommonwealth during the ueen-s pleasure*
%ut su%@ect to this onstitution* such powers and unctions o the
ueen as =er 9a@esty may %e pleased to assign to him.
3 'alary of &o"ernor<&eneral
There shall %e paya%le to the ueen out o the onsolidated
e(enue und o the ommonwealth* or the salary o the
,o(ernor+,eneral* an annual sum which* until the $arliament
otherwise pro(ides* shall %e ten thousand pounds.
The salary o a ,o(ernor+,eneral shall not %e altered during his
continuance in oice.
4 %ro"isions relatin to &o"ernor<&eneral
The pro(isions o this onstitution relating to the
,o(ernor+,eneral etend and apply to the ,o(ernor+,eneral or
the time %eing* or such person as the ueen may appoint to
administer the ,o(ernment o the ommonwealthD %ut no such
person shall %e entitled to recei(e any salary rom the
ommonwealth in respect o any other oice during hisadministration o the ,o(ernment o the ommonwealth.
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1
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5 'essions of %arliament= %roroation and dissolution
The ,o(ernor+,eneral may appoint such times or holding thesessions o the $arliament as he thinks it* and may also rom time
to time* %y $roclamation or otherwise* prorogue the $arliament*
and may in like manner dissol(e the =ouse o epresentati(es.
#ummonin$ %arliament
Ater any general election the $arliament shall %e summoned to
meet not later than thirty days ater the day appointed or the return
o the writs.
&irst session
The $arliament shall %e summoned to meet not later than simonths ater the esta%lishment o the ommonwealth.
6 >early session of %arliament
There shall %e a session o the $arliament once at least in e(ery
year* so that twel(e months shall not inter(ene %etween the last
sitting o the $arliament in one session and its irst sitting in the
net session.
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 2
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The $arliament Chapter #
The =ouse o epresentati(es %art ###
/ection 2
%art ##$The 'enate
8 The 'enate see Note 51
The /enate shall %e composed o senators or each /tate* directly
chosen %y the people o the /tate* (oting* until the $arliament
otherwise pro(ides* as one electorate.
7ut until the $arliament o the ommonwealth otherwise pro(ides*
the $arliament o the /tate o ueensland* i that /tate %e an
&riginal /tate* may make laws di(iding the /tate into di(isions and
determining the num%er o senators to %e chosen or each di(ision*
and in the a%sence o such pro(ision the /tate shall %e oneelectorate.
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides there shall %e si senators
or each &riginal /tate. The $arliament may make laws increasing
or diminishing the num%er o senators or each /tate* %ut so that
e>ual representation o the se(eral &riginal /tates shall %e
maintained and that no &riginal /tate shall ha(e less than si
senators.
The senators shall %e chosen or a term o si years* and the names
o the senators chosen or each /tate shall %e certiied %y the
,o(ernor to the ,o(ernor+,eneral.
9 ualification of electors
The >ualiication o electors o senators shall %e in each /tate that
which is prescri%ed %y this onstitution* or %y the $arliament* as
the >ualiication or electors o mem%ers o the =ouse o
epresentati(esD %ut in the choosing o senators each elector shall
(ote only once.
/ethod of election of senators see Note 1
The $arliament o the ommonwealth may make laws prescri%ingthe method o choosing senators* %ut so that the method shall %e
uniorm or all the /tates. /u%@ect to any such law* the $arliament
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
o each /tate may make laws prescri%ing the method o choosing
the senators or that /tate.
'imes an places see Note 1
The $arliament o a /tate may make laws or determining the times
and places o elections o senators or the /tate.
1? Application of 'tate laws
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* %ut su%@ect to this
onstitution* the laws in orce in each /tate* or the time %eing*
relating to elections or the more numerous =ouse o the
$arliament o the /tate shall* as nearly as practica%le* apply to
elections o senators or the /tate.
11 .ailure to choose senators
The /enate may proceed to the despatch o %usiness*
notwithstanding the ailure o any /tate to pro(ide or its
representation in the /enate.
10 #ssue of writs
The ,o(ernor o any /tate may cause writs to %e issued or
elections o senators or the /tate. :n case o the dissolution o the
/enate the writs shall %e issued within ten days rom the proclamation o such dissolution.
13 otation of senators
As soon as may %e ater the /enate irst meets* and ater each irst
meeting o the /enate ollowing a dissolution thereo* the /enate
shall di(ide the senators chosen or each /tate into two classes* as
nearly e>ual in num%er as practica%leD and the places o the
senators o the irst class shall %ecome (acant at the epiration o
the third year three years@ and the places o those o the second
class at the epiration o the sith year six years@ rom the
%eginning o their term o ser(iceD and aterwards the places osenators shall %ecome (acant at the epiration o si years rom the
%eginning o their term o ser(ice.
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The $arliament Chapter #
The =ouse o epresentati(es %art ###
/ection 2
The election to ill (acant places shall %e made in the year at the
epiration o which within one year before the places are to
%ecome (acant.
6or the purposes o this section the term o ser(ice o a senator
shall %e taken to %egin on the irst day o January -uly ollowing
the day o his election* ecept in the cases o the irst election and
o the election net ater any dissolution o the /enate* when it
shall %e taken to %egin on the irst day o January -uly preceding
the day o his election.
14 .urther pro"ision for rotation see Note #1
?hene(er the num%er o senators or a /tate is increased or
diminished* the $arliament o the ommonwealth may make such pro(ision or the (acating o the places o senators or the /tate as
it deems necessary to maintain regularity in the rotation.
15 Casual "acancies
: the place o a senator %ecomes (acant %eore the epiration o
his term o ser(ice* the =ouse o $arliament o the /tate or which
he was chosen shall* sitting and (oting together* choose a person to
hold the place until the epiration o the term* or until the election
o a successor as hereinater pro(ided* whiche(er irst happens.
7ut i the =ouses o $arliament o the /tate are not in session at
the time when the (acancy is notiied* the ,o(ernor o the /tate*with the ad(ice o the ;ecuti(e ouncil thereo* may appoint a
person to hold the place until the epiration o ourteen days ater
the %eginning o the net session o the $arliament o the /tate* or
until the election o a successor* whiche(er irst happens.
At the net general election o mem%ers o the =ouse o
epresentati(es* or at the net election o senators or the /tate*
whiche(er irst happens* a successor shall* i the term has not then
epired* %e chosen to hold the place rom the date o his election
until the epiration o the term.
The name o any senator so chosen or appointed shall %e certiied
%y the ,o(ernor o the /tate to the ,o(ernor+,eneral.
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
15 Casual "acancies see Note 81
#f the place of a senator becomes "acant before the expirationof his term of ser"ice@ the ouses of %arliament of the 'tate for
which he was chosen@ sittin and "otin toether@ or@ if there is
only one ouse of that %arliament@ that ouse@ shall choose a
person to hold the place until the expiration of the term= +ut if
the %arliament of the 'tate is not in session when the "acancy is
notified@ the &o"ernor of the 'tate@ with the ad"ice of the
,xecuti"e Council thereof@ may appoint a person to hold the
place until the expiration of fourteen days from the beinnin
of the next session of the %arliament of the 'tate or the
expiration of the term@ whiche"er first happens=
here a "acancy has at any time occurred in the place of a
senator chosen by the people of a 'tate and@ at the time when
he was so chosen@ he was publicly reconiBed by a particular
political party as bein an endorsed candidate of that party
and publicly represented himself to be such a candidate@ a
person chosen or appointed under this section in conseuence
of that "acancy@ or in conseuence of that "acancy and a
subseuent "acancy or "acancies@ shall@ unless there is no
member of that party a"ailable to be chosen or appointed@ be a
member of that party=
here:
(a) in accordance with the last precedin pararaph@ amember of a particular political party is chosen or
appointed to hold the place of a senator whose place had
become "acantD and
(b) before taEin his seat he ceases to be a member of that
party (otherwise than by reason of the party ha"in
ceased to exist)D
he shall be deemed not to ha"e been so chosen or appointed
and the "acancy shall be aain notified in accordance with
section twenty<one of this Constitution=
The name of any senator chosen or appointed under this
section shall be certified by the &o"ernor of the 'tate to the&o"ernor<&eneral=
#f the place of a senator chosen by the people of a 'tate at the
election of senators last held before the commencement of the
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The $arliament Chapter #
The =ouse o epresentati(es %art ###
/ection 2
Constitution Alteration Senate Casual acancies" #$%% became
"acant before that commencement and@ at that commencement@
no person chosen by the ouse or ouses of %arliament of the'tate@ or appointed by the &o"ernor of the 'tate@ in
conseuence of that "acancy@ or in conseuence of that "acancy
and a subseuent "acancy or "acancies@ held office@ this section
applies as if the place of the senator chosen by the people of the
'tate had become "acant after that commencement=
A senator holdin office at the commencement of the
Constitution Alteration Senate Casual acancies" #$%% @ bein a
senator appointed by the &o"ernor of a 'tate in conseuence of
a "acancy that had at any time occurred in the place of a
senator chosen by the people of the 'tate@ shall be deemed to
ha"e been appointed to hold the place until the expiration offourteen days after the beinnin of the next session of the
%arliament of the 'tate that commenced or commences after he
was appointed and further action under this section shall be
taEen as if the "acancy in the place of the senator chosen by the
people of the 'tate had occurred after that commencement=
'ubFect to the next succeedin pararaph@ a senator holdin
office at the commencement of the Constitution Alteration
Senate Casual acancies" #$%% who was chosen by the ouse
or ouses of %arliament of a 'tate in conseuence of a "acancy
that had at any time occurred in the place of a senator chosen
by the people of the 'tate shall be deemed to ha"e been chosento hold office until the expiration of the term of ser"ice of the
senator elected by the people of the 'tate=
#f@ at or before the commencement of the Constitution
Alteration Senate Casual acancies" #$%% @ a law to alter the
Constitution entitled GConstitution Alteration Simultaneous
Elections" #$%% H came into operation@ a senator holdin office
at the commencement of that law who was chosen by the ouse
or ouses of %arliament of a 'tate in conseuence of a "acancy
that had at any time occurred in the place of a senator chosen
by the people of the 'tate shall be deemed to ha"e been chosen
to hold office:(a) if the senator elected by the people of the 'tate had a term
of ser"ice expirin on the thirtieth day of -une@ One
thousand nine hundred and se"enty<eiht$until the
expiration or dissolution of the first ouse of
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
epresentati"es to expire or be dissol"ed after that law
came into operationD or
(b) if the senator elected by the people of the 'tate had a termof ser"ice expirin on the thirtieth day of -une@ One
thousand nine hundred and eihty<one$until the
expiration or dissolution of the second ouse of
epresentati"es to expire or be dissol"ed after that law
came into operation or@ if there is an earlier dissolution of
the 'enate@ until that dissolution=
16 ualifications of senator
The >ualiications o a senator shall %e the same as those o a
mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(es.
18 ,lection of %resident
The /enate shall* %eore proceeding to the despatch o any other
%usiness* choose a senator to %e the $resident o the /enateD and as
oten as the oice o $resident %ecomes (acant the /enate shall
again choose a senator to %e the $resident.
The $resident shall cease to hold his oice i he ceases to %e a
senator. =e may %e remo(ed rom oice %y a (ote o the /enate* or
he may resign his oice or his seat %y writing addressed to the
,o(ernor+,eneral.
19 Absence of %resident
7eore or during any a%sence o the $resident* the /enate may
choose a senator to perorm his duties in his a%sence.
1 esination of senator
A senator may* %y writing addressed to the $resident* or to the
,o(ernor+,eneral i there is no $resident or i the $resident is
a%sent rom the ommonwealth* resign his place* which thereupon
shall %ecome (acant.
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/ection 2
0? *acancy by absence
The place o a senator shall %ecome (acant i or two consecuti(emonths o any session o the $arliament he* without the permission
o the /enate* ails to attend the /enate.
01 *acancy to be notified
?hene(er a (acancy happens in the /enate* the $resident* or i
there is no $resident or i the $resident is a%sent rom the
ommonwealth the ,o(ernor+,eneral* shall notiy the same to the
,o(ernor o the /tate in the representation o which the (acancy
has happened.
00 uorum
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the presence o at least
one+third o the whole num%er o the senators shall %e necessary to
constitute a meeting o the /enate or the eercise o its powers.
03 *otin in the 'enate
uestions arising in the /enate shall %e determined %y a ma@ority
o (otes* and each senator shall ha(e one (ote. The $resident shall
in all cases %e entitled to a (oteD and when the (otes are e>ual the
>uestion shall pass in the negati(e.
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Chapter # The $arliament
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/ection 24
%art ###$The ouse of epresentati"es
04 Constitution of ouse of epresentati"es
The =ouse o epresentati(es shall %e composed o mem%ers
directly chosen %y the people o the ommonwealth* and the
num%er o such mem%ers shall %e* as nearly as practica%le* twice
the num%er o the senators.
The num%er o mem%ers chosen in the se(eral /tates shall %e in
proportion to the respecti(e num%ers o their people* and shall*
until the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* %e determined* whene(er
necessary* in the ollowing mannerC
GiH a >uota shall %e ascertained %y di(iding the num%er o the
people o the ommonwealth* as shown %y the latest
statistics o the ommonwealth* %y twice the num%er o the
senatorsD
GiiH the num%er o mem%ers to %e chosen in each /tate shall %e
determined %y di(iding the num%er o the people o the /tate*
as shown %y the latest statistics o the ommonwealth* %y the
>uotaD and i on such di(ision there is a remainder greater
than one+hal o the >uota* one more mem%er shall %e chosen
in the /tate.
7ut notwithstanding anything in this section* i(e mem%ers at least
shall %e chosen in each &riginal /tate.
05 %ro"ision as to races disualified from "otin
6or the purposes o the last section* i %y the law o any /tate all
persons o any race are dis>ualiied rom (oting at elections or the
more numerous =ouse o the $arliament o the /tate* then* in
reckoning the num%er o the people o the /tate or o the
ommonwealth* persons o that race resident in that /tate shall not
%e counted.
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/ection 2
06 epresentati"es in first %arliament
Notwithstanding anything in section twenty+our* the num%er omem%ers to %e chosen in each /tate at the irst election shall %e as
ollowsC
New /outh ?ales........................................... twenty+threeD
<ictoria.......................................................... twentyD
ueensland.................................................... eightD
/outh Australia............................................... siD
Tasmania........................................................ i(eD
$ro(ided that i ?estern Australia is an &riginal /tate* the num%ers
shall %e as ollowsC
New /outh ?ales........................................... twenty+siD
<ictoria.......................................................... twenty+threeD
ueensland.................................................... nineD
/outh Australia............................................... se(enD
?estern Australia........................................... i(eD
Tasmania........................................................ i(e.
08 Alteration of number of members
/u%@ect to this onstitution* the $arliament may make laws orincreasing or diminishing the num%er o the mem%ers o the =ouse
o epresentati(es.
09 7uration of ouse of epresentati"es
;(ery =ouse o epresentati(es shall continue or three years rom
the irst meeting o the =ouse* and no longer* %ut may %e sooner
dissol(ed %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral.
0 ,lectoral di"isions see Note "1
ntil the $arliament o the ommonwealth otherwise pro(ides* the$arliament o any /tate may make laws or determining the
di(isions in each /tate or which mem%ers o the =ouse o
epresentati(es may %e chosen* and the num%er o mem%ers to %e
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Chapter # The $arliament
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/ection 24
chosen or each di(ision. A di(ision shall not %e ormed out o
parts o dierent /tates.
:n the a%sence o other pro(ision* each /tate shall %e one
electorate.
3? ualification of electors
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the >ualiication o
electors o mem%ers o the =ouse o epresentati(es shall %e in
each /tate that which is prescri%ed %y the law o the /tate as the
>ualiication o electors o the more numerous =ouse o $arliament
o the /tateD %ut in the choosing o mem%ers each elector shall (ote
only once.
31 Application of 'tate laws
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* %ut su%@ect to this
onstitution* the laws in orce in each /tate or the time %eing
relating to elections or the more numerous =ouse o the
$arliament o the /tate shall* as nearly as practica%le* apply to
elections in the /tate o mem%ers o the =ouse o epresentati(es.
30 rits for eneral election
The ,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil may cause writs to %e issued or
general elections o mem%ers o the =ouse o epresentati(es.
Ater the irst general election* the writs shall %e issued within ten
days rom the epiry o a =ouse o epresentati(es or rom the
proclamation o a dissolution thereo.
33 rits for "acancies
?hene(er a (acancy happens in the =ouse o epresentati(es* the
/peaker shall issue his writ or the election o a new mem%er* or i
there is no /peaker or i he is a%sent rom the ommonwealth the
,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil may issue the writ.
34 ualifications of members
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the >ualiications o a
mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(es shall %e as ollowsC
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/ection 2
GiH he must %e o the ull age o twenty+one years* and must %e
an elector entitled to (ote at the election o mem%ers o the
=ouse o epresentati(es* or a person >ualiied to %ecomesuch elector* and must ha(e %een or three years at the least a
resident within the limits o the ommonwealth as eisting at
the time when he is chosenD
GiiH he must %e a su%@ect o the ueen* either natural+%orn or or
at least i(e years naturaliIed under a law o the nited
Bingdom* or o a olony which has %ecome or %ecomes a
/tate* or o the ommonwealth* or o a /tate.
35 ,lection of 'peaEer
The =ouse o epresentati(es shall* %eore proceeding to the
despatch o any other %usiness* choose a mem%er to %e the /peaker o the =ouse* and as oten as the oice o /peaker %ecomes (acant
the =ouse shall again choose a mem%er to %e the /peaker.
The /peaker shall cease to hold his oice i he ceases to %e a
mem%er. =e may %e remo(ed rom oice %y a (ote o the =ouse*
or he may resign his oice or his seat %y writing addressed to the
,o(ernor+,eneral.
36 Absence of 'peaEer
7eore or during any a%sence o the /peaker* the =ouse o
epresentati(es may choose a mem%er to perorm his duties in hisa%sence.
38 esination of member
A mem%er may %y writing addressed to the /peaker* or to the
,o(ernor+,eneral i there is no /peaker or i the /peaker is a%sent
rom the ommonwealth* resign his place* which thereupon shall
%ecome (acant.
39 *acancy by absence
The place o a mem%er shall %ecome (acant i or two consecuti(emonths o any session o the $arliament he* without the permission
o the =ouse* ails to attend the =ouse.
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Chapter # The $arliament
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/ection 24
3 uorum
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the presence o at leastone+third o the whole num%er o the mem%ers o the =ouse o
epresentati(es shall %e necessary to constitute a meeting o the
=ouse or the eercise o its powers.
4? *otin in ouse of epresentati"es
uestions arising in the =ouse o epresentati(es shall %e
determined %y a ma@ority o (otes other than that o the /peaker.
The /peaker shall not (ote unless the num%ers are e>ual* and then
he shall ha(e a casting (ote.
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/ection 2
%art #*$+oth ouses of the %arliament
41 iht of electors of 'tates
No adult person who has or ac>uires a right to (ote at elections or
the more numerous =ouse o the $arliament o a /tate shall* while
the right continues* %e pre(ented %y any law o the ommonwealth
rom (oting at elections or either =ouse o the $arliament o the
ommonwealth.
40 Oath or affirmation of alleiance
;(ery senator and e(ery mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(es
shall %eore taking his seat make and su%scri%e %eore the
,o(ernor+,eneral* or some person authorised %y him* an oath or
airmation o allegiance in the orm set orth in the schedule to
this onstitution.
43 /ember of one ouse ineliible for other
A mem%er o either =ouse o the $arliament shall %e incapa%le o
%eing chosen or o sitting as a mem%er o the other =ouse.
44 7isualification
Any person whoC
GiH is under any acknowledgment o allegiance* o%edience* or
adherence to a oreign power* or is a su%@ect or a citiIen or
entitled to the rights or pri(ileges o a su%@ect or a citiIen o a
oreign powerD or
GiiH is attainted o treason* or has %een con(icted and is under
sentence* or su%@ect to %e sentenced* or any oence
punisha%le under the law o the ommonwealth or o a /tate
%y imprisonment or one year or longerD or
GiiiH is an undischarged %ankrupt or insol(entD or
Gi(H holds any oice o proit under the rown* or any pension
paya%le during the pleasure o the rown out o any o the
re(enues o the ommonwealthD or
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Chapter # The $arliament
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/ection 24
G(H has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any agreement
with the $u%lic /er(ice o the ommonwealth otherwise than
as a mem%er and in common with the other mem%ers o anincorporated company consisting o more than twenty+i(e
personsD
shall %e incapa%le o %eing chosen or o sitting as a senator or a
mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(es.
7ut su%section Gi(H does not apply to the oice o any o the
ueen-s 9inisters o /tate or the ommonwealth* or o any o the
ueen-s 9inisters or a /tate* or to the receipt o pay* hal pay* or a
pension* %y any person as an oicer or mem%er o the ueen-s
na(y or army* or to the receipt o pay as an oicer or mem%er o
the na(al or military orces o the ommonwealth %y any person
whose ser(ices are not wholly employed %y the ommonwealth.
45 *acancy on happenin of disualification
: a senator or mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(esC
GiH %ecomes su%@ect to any o the disa%ilities mentioned in the
last preceding sectionD or
GiiH takes the %eneit* whether %y assignment* composition* or
otherwise* o any law relating to %ankrupt or insol(ent
de%torsD or
GiiiH directly or indirectly takes or agrees to take any ee or
honorarium or ser(ices rendered to the ommonwealth* or
or ser(ices rendered in the $arliament to any person or /tateD
his place shall thereupon %ecome (acant.
46 %enalty for sittin when disualified
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* any person declared %y
this onstitution to %e incapa%le o sitting as a senator or as a
mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(es shall* or e(ery day on
which he so sits* %e lia%le to pay the sum o one hundred pounds to
any person who sues or it in any court o competent @urisdiction.
48 7isputed elections
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* any >uestion respecting
the >ualiication o a senator or o a mem%er o the =ouse o
epresentati(es* or respecting a (acancy in either =ouse o the
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The $arliament Chapter #
The =ouse o epresentati(es %art ###
/ection 2
$arliament* and any >uestion o a disputed election to either
=ouse* shall %e determined %y the =ouse in which the >uestion
arises.
49 Allowance to members
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* each senator and each
mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(es shall recei(e an
allowance o our hundred pounds a year* to %e reckoned rom the
day on which he takes his seat.
4 %ri"ilees etc= of ouses
The powers* pri(ileges* and immunities o the /enate and o the
=ouse o epresentati(es* and o the mem%ers and the committeeso each =ouse* shall %e such as are declared %y the $arliament* and
until declared shall %e those o the ommons =ouse o $arliament
o the nited Bingdom* and o its mem%ers and committees* at the
esta%lishment o the ommonwealth.
5? ules and orders
;ach =ouse o the $arliament may make rules and orders with
respect toC
GiH the mode in which its powers* pri(ileges* and immunities
may %e eercised and upheldD
GiiH the order and conduct o its %usiness and proceedings eitherseparately or @ointly with the other =ouse.
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Chapter # The $arliament
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/ection 24
%art *$%owers of the %arliament
51 ;eislati"e powers of the %arliament see Notes !0 and !!1
The $arliament shall* su%@ect to this onstitution* ha(e power to
make laws or the peace* order* and good go(ernment o the
ommonwealth with respect toC
GiH trade and commerce with other countries* and among the
/tatesD
GiiH taationD %ut so as not to discriminate %etween /tates or parts
o /tatesD
GiiiH %ounties on the production or eport o goods* %ut so thatsuch %ounties shall %e uniorm throughout the
ommonwealthD
Gi(H %orrowing money on the pu%lic credit o the ommonwealthD
G(H postal* telegraphic* telephonic* and other like ser(icesD
G(iH the na(al and military deence o the ommonwealth and o
the se(eral /tates* and the control o the orces to eecute and
maintain the laws o the ommonwealthD
G(iiH lighthouses* lightships* %eacons and %uoysD
G(iiiH astronomical and meteorological o%ser(ationsD
GiH >uarantineD
GH isheries in Australian waters %eyond territorial limitsD
GiH census and statisticsD
GiiH currency* coinage* and legal tenderD
GiiiH %anking* other than /tate %ankingD also /tate %anking
etending %eyond the limits o the /tate concerned* the
incorporation o %anks* and the issue o paper moneyD
Gi(H insurance* other than /tate insuranceD also /tate insurance
etending %eyond the limits o the /tate concernedD
G(H weights and measuresD
G(iH %ills o echange and promissory notesD
G(iiH %ankruptcy and insol(encyDG(iiiH copyrights* patents o in(entions and designs* and trade
marksD
GiH naturaliIation and aliensD
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The $arliament Chapter #
The =ouse o epresentati(es %art ###
/ection 2
GH oreign corporations* and trading or inancial corporations
ormed within the limits o the ommonwealthD
GiH marriageDGiiH di(orce and matrimonial causesD and in relation thereto*
parental rights* and the custody and guardianship o inantsD
GiiiH in(alid and old+age pensionsD
(xxiiiA) the pro"ision of maternity allowances@ widows2 pensions@
child endowment@ unemployment@ pharmaceutical@
sicEness and hospital benefits@ medical and dental ser"ices
(but not so as to authoriBe any form of ci"il conscription)@
benefits to students and family allowancesD
Gi(H the ser(ice and eecution throughout the ommonwealth o
the ci(il and criminal process and the @udgments o the courts
o the /tatesDG(H the recognition throughout the ommonwealth o the laws*
the pu%lic Acts and records* and the @udicial proceedings o
the /tatesD
G(iH the people o any race* other than the a%original race in any
/tate* or whom it is deemed necessary to make special lawsD
G(iiH immigration and emigrationD
G(iiiH the inlu o criminalsD
GiH eternal aairsD
GH the relations o the ommonwealth with the islands o the
$aciicD
GiH the ac>uisition o property on @ust terms rom any /tate or person or any purpose in respect o which the $arliament has
power to make lawsD
GiiH the control o railways with respect to transport or the na(al
and military purposes o the ommonwealthD
GiiiH the ac>uisition* with the consent o a /tate* o any railways o
the /tate on terms arranged %etween the ommonwealth and
the /tateD
Gi(H railway construction and etension in any /tate with the
consent o that /tateD
G(H conciliation and ar%itration or the pre(ention and settlement
o industrial disputes etending %eyond the limits o any one/tateD
G(iH matters in respect o which this onstitution makes pro(ision
until the $arliament otherwise pro(idesD
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
G(iiH matters reerred to the $arliament o the ommonwealth %y
the $arliament or $arliaments o any /tate or /tates* %ut so
that the law shall etend only to /tates %y whose $arliamentsthe matter is reerred* or which aterwards adopt the lawD
G(iiiH the eercise within the ommonwealth* at the re>uest or with
the concurrence o the $arliaments o all the /tates directly
concerned* o any power which can at the esta%lishment o
this onstitution %e eercised only %y the $arliament o the
nited Bingdom or %y the 6ederal ouncil o AustralasiaD
GiH matters incidental to the eecution o any power (ested %y
this onstitution in the $arliament or in either =ouse thereo*
or in the ,o(ernment o the ommonwealth* or in the
6ederal Judicature* or in any department or oicer o the
ommonwealth.
50 ,xclusi"e powers of the %arliament
The $arliament shall* su%@ect to this onstitution* ha(e eclusi(e
power to make laws or the peace* order* and good go(ernment o
the ommonwealth with respect toC
GiH the seat o go(ernment o the ommonwealth* and all places
ac>uired %y the ommonwealth or pu%lic purposesD
GiiH matters relating to any department o the pu%lic ser(ice the
control o which is %y this onstitution transerred to the
;ecuti(e ,o(ernment o the ommonwealthD
GiiiH other matters declared %y this onstitution to %e within theeclusi(e power o the $arliament.
53 %owers of the ouses in respect of leislation
$roposed laws appropriating re(enue or moneys* or imposing
taation* shall not originate in the /enate. 7ut a proposed law shall
not %e taken to appropriate re(enue or moneys* or to impose
taation* %y reason only o its containing pro(isions or the
imposition or appropriation o ines or other pecuniary penalties* or
or the demand or payment or appropriation o ees or licences* or
ees or ser(ices under the proposed law.
The /enate may not amend proposed laws imposing taation* or
proposed laws appropriating re(enue or moneys or the ordinary
annual ser(ices o the ,o(ernment.
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The $arliament Chapter #
The =ouse o epresentati(es %art ###
/ection 2
The /enate may not amend any proposed law so as to increase any
proposed charge or %urden on the people.
The /enate may at any stage return to the =ouse o epresentati(es
any proposed law which the /enate may not amend* re>uesting* %y
message* the omission or amendment o any items or pro(isions
therein. And the =ouse o epresentati(es may* i it thinks it*
make any o such omissions or amendments* with or without
modiications.
;cept as pro(ided in this section* the /enate shall ha(e e>ual
power with the =ouse o epresentati(es in respect o all proposed
laws.
54 Appropriation +illsThe proposed law which appropriates re(enue or moneys or the
ordinary annual ser(ices o the ,o(ernment shall deal only with
such appropriation.
55 Tax +ill
'aws imposing taation shall deal only with the imposition o
taation* and any pro(ision therein dealing with any other matter
shall %e o no eect.
'aws imposing taation* ecept laws imposing duties o customs
or o ecise* shall deal with one su%@ect o taation onlyD %ut lawsimposing duties o customs shall deal with duties o customs only*
and laws imposing duties o ecise shall deal with duties o ecise
only.
56 ecommendation of money "otes
A (ote* resolution* or proposed law or the appropriation o
re(enue or moneys shall not %e passed unless the purpose o the
appropriation has in the same session %een recommended %y
message o the ,o(ernor+,eneral to the =ouse in which the
proposal originated.
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
58 7isareement between the ouses
: the =ouse o epresentati(es passes any proposed law* and the/enate re@ects or ails to pass it* or passes it with amendments to
which the =ouse o epresentati(es will not agree* and i ater an
inter(al o three months the =ouse o epresentati(es* in the same
or the net session* again passes the proposed law with or without
any amendments which ha(e %een made* suggested* or agreed to
%y the /enate* and the /enate re@ects or ails to pass it* or passes it
with amendments to which the =ouse o epresentati(es will not
agree* the ,o(ernor+,eneral may dissol(e the /enate and the
=ouse o epresentati(es simultaneously. 7ut such dissolution
shall not take place within si months %eore the date o the epiry
o the =ouse o epresentati(es %y eluion o time.
: ater such dissolution the =ouse o epresentati(es again passes
the proposed law* with or without any amendments which ha(e
%een made* suggested* or agreed to %y the /enate* and the /enate
re@ects or ails to pass it* or passes it with amendments to which the
=ouse o epresentati(es will not agree* the ,o(ernor+,eneral
may con(ene a @oint sitting o the mem%ers o the /enate and o the
=ouse o epresentati(es.
The mem%ers present at the @oint sitting may deli%erate and shall
(ote together upon the proposed law as last proposed %y the =ouse
o epresentati(es* and upon amendments* i any* which ha(e %een
made therein %y one =ouse and not agreed to %y the other* and any
such amendments which are airmed %y an a%solute ma@ority o
the total num%er o the mem%ers o the /enate and =ouse o
epresentati(es shall %e taken to ha(e %een carried* and i the
proposed law* with the amendments* i any* so carried is airmed
%y an a%solute ma@ority o the total num%er o the mem%ers o the
/enate and =ouse o epresentati(es* it shall %e taken to ha(e %een
duly passed %y %oth =ouses o the $arliament* and shall %e
presented to the ,o(ernor+,eneral or the ueen-s assent.
59 oyal assent to +ills
?hen a proposed law passed %y %oth =ouses o the $arliament is presented to the ,o(ernor+,eneral or the ueen-s assent* he shall
declare* according to his discretion* %ut su%@ect to this onstitution*
that he assents in the ueen-s name* or that he withholds assent* or
that he reser(es the law or the ueen-s pleasure.
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*ecommenations +, -overnor-eneral
The ,o(ernor+,eneral may return to the house in which it
originated any proposed law so presented to him* and may transmit
therewith any amendments which he may recommend* and the
=ouses may deal with the recommendation.
5 7isallowance by the ueen
The ueen may disallow any law within one year rom the
,o(ernor+,eneral-s assent* and such disallowance on %eing made
known %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral %y speech or message to each o
the =ouses o the $arliament* or %y $roclamation* shall annul the
law rom the day when the disallowance is so made known.
6? 'inification of ueen2s pleasure on +ills reser"ed
A proposed law reser(ed or the ueen-s pleasure shall not ha(e
any orce unless and until within two years rom the day on which
it was presented to the ,o(ernor+,eneral or the ueen-s assent
the ,o(ernor+,eneral makes known* %y speech or message to each
o the =ouses o the $arliament* or %y $roclamation* that it has
recei(ed the ueen-s assent.
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Chapter ##$The ,xecuti"e &o"ernment
61 ,xecuti"e power
The eecuti(e power o the ommonwealth is (ested in the ueen
and is eercisa%le %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral as the ueen-s
representati(e* and etends to the eecution and maintenance o
this onstitution* and o the laws o the ommonwealth.
60 .ederal ,xecuti"e Council
There shall %e a 6ederal ;ecuti(e ouncil to ad(ise the
,o(ernor+,eneral in the go(ernment o the ommonwealth* andthe mem%ers o the ouncil shall %e chosen and summoned %y the
,o(ernor+,eneral and sworn as ;ecuti(e ouncillors* and shall
hold oice during his pleasure.
63 %ro"isions referrin to &o"ernor<&eneral
The pro(isions o this onstitution reerring to the
,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil shall %e construed as reerring to the
,o(ernor+,eneral acting with the ad(ice o the 6ederal ;ecuti(e
ouncil.
64 /inisters of 'tate
The ,o(ernor+,eneral may appoint oicers to administer such
departments o /tate o the ommonwealth as the
,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil may esta%lish.
/uch oicers shall hold oice during the pleasure o the
,o(ernor+,eneral. They shall %e mem%ers o the 6ederal
;ecuti(e ouncil* and shall %e the ueen-s 9inisters o /tate or
the ommonwealth.
"inisters to sit in %arliament
Ater the irst general election no 9inister o /tate shall hold oice
or a longer period than three months unless he is or %ecomes a
senator or a mem%er o the =ouse o epresentati(es.
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65 Number of /inisters
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the 9inisters o /tateshall not eceed se(en in num%er* and shall hold such oices as the
$arliament prescri%es* or* in the a%sence o pro(ision* as the
,o(ernor+,eneral directs.
66 'alaries of /inisters
There shall %e paya%le to the ueen* out o the onsolidated
e(enue 6und o the ommonwealth* or the salaries o the
9inisters o /tate* an annual sum which* until the $arliament
otherwise pro(ides* shall not eceed twel(e thousand pounds a
year.
68 Appointment of ci"il ser"ants
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the appointment and
remo(al o all other oicers o the ;ecuti(e ,o(ernment o the
ommonwealth shall %e (ested in the ,o(ernor+,eneral in
ouncil* unless the appointment is delegated %y the
,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil or %y a law o the ommonwealth to
some other authority.
69 Command of na"al and military forces
The command in chie o the na(al and military orces o theommonwealth is (ested in the ,o(ernor+,eneral as the ueen-s
representati(e.
6 Transfer of certain departments
&n a date or dates to %e proclaimed %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral ater
the esta%lishment o the ommonwealth the ollowing departments
o the pu%lic ser(ice in each /tate shall %ecome transerred to the
ommonwealthC
posts* telegraphs* and telephonesD
na(al and military deenceD
lighthouses* lightships* %eacons* and %uoysD
>uarantine.
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7ut the departments o customs and o ecise in each /tate shall
%ecome transerred to the ommonwealth on its esta%lishment.
8? Certain powers of &o"ernors to "est in &o"ernor<&eneral
:n respect o matters which* under this onstitution* pass to the
;ecuti(e ,o(ernment o the ommonwealth* all powers and
unctions which at the esta%lishment o the ommonwealth are
(ested in the ,o(ernor o a olony* or in the ,o(ernor o a olony
with the ad(ice o his ;ecuti(e ouncil* or in any authority o a
olony* shall (est in the ,o(ernor+,eneral* or in the
,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil* or in the authority eercising similar
powers under the ommonwealth* as the case re>uires.
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Chapter ###$The -udicature
81 -udicial power and Courts
The @udicial power o the ommonwealth shall %e (ested in a
6ederal /upreme ourt* to %e called the =igh ourt o Australia*
and in such other ederal courts as the $arliament creates* and in
such other courts as it in(ests with ederal @urisdiction. The =igh
ourt shall consist o a hie Justice* and so many other Justices*
not less than two* as the $arliament prescri%es.
80 -udes2 appointment@ tenure@ and remuneration
The Justices o the =igh ourt and o the other courts created %y
the $arliamentC
GiH shall %e appointed %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncilD
GiiH shall not %e remo(ed ecept %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral in
ouncil* on an address rom %oth =ouses o the $arliament in
the same session* praying or such remo(al on the ground o
pro(ed mis%eha(iour or incapacityD
GiiiH shall recei(e such remuneration as the $arliament may iD
%ut the remuneration shall not %e diminished during their
continuance in oice.
The appointment of a -ustice of the ih Court shall be for a
term expirin upon his attainin the ae of se"enty years@ and a
person shall not be appointed as a -ustice of the ih Court if
he has attained that ae=
The appointment of a -ustice of a court created by the
%arliament shall be for a term expirin upon his attainin the
ae that is@ at the time of his appointment@ the maximum ae
for -ustices of that court and a person shall not be appointed as
a -ustice of such a court if he has attained the ae that is for
the time bein the maximum ae for -ustices of that court=
'ubFect to this section@ the maximum ae for -ustices of any
court created by the %arliament is se"enty years=
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The %arliament may maEe a law fixin an ae that is less than
se"enty years as the maximum ae for -ustices of a court
created by the %arliament and may at any time repeal oramend such a law@ but any such repeal or amendment does not
affect the term of office of a -ustice under an appointment
made before the repeal or amendment=
A -ustice of the ih Court or of a court created by the
%arliament may resin his office by writin under his hand
deli"ered to the &o"ernor<&eneral=
Nothin in the pro"isions added to this section by the
Constitution Alteration &etirement of 'udges" #$%% affects the
continuance of a person in office as a -ustice of a court under
an appointment made before the commencement of those
pro"isions=
A reference in this section to the appointment of a -ustice of the
ih Court or of a court created by the %arliament shall be
read as includin a reference to the appointment of a person
who holds office as a -ustice of the ih Court or of a court
created by the %arliament to another office of -ustice of the
same court ha"in a different status or desination=
83 Appellate Furisdiction of ih Court
The =igh ourt shall ha(e @urisdiction* with such eceptions and
su%@ect to such regulations as the $arliament prescri%es* to hear anddetermine appeals rom all @udgments* decrees* orders* and
sentencesC
GiH o any Justice or Justices eercising the original @urisdiction
o the =igh ourtD
GiiH o any other ederal court* or court eercising ederal
@urisdictionD or o the /upreme ourt o any /tate* or o any
other court o any /tate rom which at the esta%lishment o
the ommonwealth an appeal lies to the ueen in ouncilD
GiiiH o the :nter+/tate ommission* %ut as to >uestions o law
onlyD
and the @udgment o the =igh ourt in all such cases shall %e inaland conclusi(e.
7ut no eception or regulation prescri%ed %y the $arliament shall
pre(ent the =igh ourt rom hearing and determining any appeal
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rom the /upreme ourt o a /tate in any matter in which at the
esta%lishment o the ommonwealth an appeal lies rom such
/upreme ourt to the ueen in ouncil.
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the conditions o and
restrictions on appeals to the ueen in ouncil rom the /upreme
ourts o the se(eral /tates shall %e applica%le to appeals rom
them to the =igh ourt.
84 Appeal to ueen in Council see Note !21
No appeal shall %e permitted to the ueen in ouncil rom a
decision o the =igh ourt upon any >uestion* howsoe(er arising*
as to the limits inter se o the onstitutional powers o the
ommonwealth and those o any /tate or /tates* or as to the limitsinter se o the onstitutional powers o any two or more /tates*
unless the =igh ourt shall certiy that the >uestion is one which
ought to %e determined %y =er 9a@esty in ouncil.
The =igh ourt may so certiy i satisied that or any special
reason the certiicate should %e granted* and thereupon an appeal
shall lie to =er 9a@esty in ouncil on the >uestion without urther
lea(e.
;cept as pro(ided in this section* this onstitution shall not
impair any right which the ueen may %e pleased to eercise %y
(irtue o =er oyal prerogati(e to grant special lea(e o appeal
rom the =igh ourt to =er 9a@esty in ouncil. The $arliamentmay make laws limiting the matters in which such lea(e may %e
asked* %ut proposed laws containing any such limitation shall %e
reser(ed %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral or =er 9a@esty-s pleasure.
85 Oriinal Furisdiction of ih Court
:n all mattersC
GiH arising under any treatyD
GiiH aecting consuls or other representati(es o other countriesD
GiiiH in which the ommonwealth* or a person suing or %eing sued
on %ehal o the ommonwealth* is a partyDGi(H %etween /tates* or %etween residents o dierent /tates* or
%etween a /tate and a resident o another /tateD
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G(H in which a writ o 9andamus or prohi%ition or an in@unction
is sought against an oicer o the ommonwealthD
the =igh ourt shall ha(e original @urisdiction.
86 Additional oriinal Furisdiction
The $arliament may make laws conerring original @urisdiction on
the =igh ourt in any matterC
GiH arising under this onstitution* or in(ol(ing its interpretationD
GiiH arising under any laws made %y the $arliamentD
GiiiH o Admiralty and maritime @urisdictionD
Gi(H relating to the same su%@ect+matter claimed under the laws o
dierent /tates.
88 %ower to define Furisdiction
?ith respect to any o the matters mentioned in the last two
sections the $arliament may make lawsC
GiH deining the @urisdiction o any ederal court other than the
=igh ourtD
GiiH deining the etent to which the @urisdiction o any ederal
court shall %e eclusi(e o that which %elongs to or is
in(ested in the courts o the /tatesD
GiiiH in(esting any court o a /tate with ederal @urisdiction.
89 %roceedins aainst Commonwealth or 'tate
The $arliament may make laws conerring rights to proceed
against the ommonwealth or a /tate in respect o matters within
the limits o the @udicial power.
8 Number of Fudes
The ederal @urisdiction o any court may %e eercised %y such
num%er o @udges as the $arliament prescri%es.
9? Trial by FuryThe trial on indictment o any oence against any law o the
ommonwealth shall %e %y @ury* and e(ery such trial shall %e held
in the /tate where the oence was committed* and i the oence
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was not committed within any /tate the trial shall %e held at such
place or places as the $arliament prescri%es.
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Chapter #*$.inance and Trade
91 Consolidated e"enue .und
All re(enues or moneys raised or recei(ed %y the ;ecuti(e
,o(ernment o the ommonwealth shall orm one onsolidated
e(enue 6und* to %e appropriated or the purposes o the
ommonwealth in the manner and su%@ect to the charges and
lia%ilities imposed %y this onstitution.
90 ,xpenditure chared thereon
The costs* charges* and epenses incident to the collection*management* and receipt o the onsolidated e(enue 6und shall
orm the irst charge thereonD and the re(enue o the
ommonwealth shall in the irst instance %e applied to the payment
o the ependiture o the ommonwealth.
93 /oney to be appropriated by law
No money shall %e drawn rom the Treasury o the ommonwealth
ecept under appropriation made %y law.
7ut until the epiration o one month ater the irst meeting o the
$arliament the ,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil may draw rom theTreasury and epend such moneys as may %e necessary or the
maintenance o any department transerred to the ommonwealth
and or the holding o the irst elections or the $arliament.
94 Transfer of officers
?hen any department o the pu%lic ser(ice o a /tate %ecomes
transerred to the ommonwealth* all oicers o the department
shall %ecome su%@ect to the control o the ;ecuti(e ,o(ernment o
the ommonwealth.
Any such oicer who is not retained in the ser(ice o theommonwealth shall* unless he is appointed to some other oice
o e>ual emolument in the pu%lic ser(ice o the /tate* %e entitled to
recei(e rom the /tate any pension* gratuity* or other
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compensation* paya%le under the law o the /tate on the a%olition
o his oice.
Any such oicer who is retained in the ser(ice o the
ommonwealth shall preser(e all his eisting and accruing rights*
and shall %e entitled to retire rom oice at the time* and on the
pension or retiring allowance* which would %e permitted %y the
law o the /tate i his ser(ice with the ommonwealth were a
continuation o his ser(ice with the /tate. /uch pension or retiring
allowance shall %e paid to him %y the ommonwealthD %ut the
/tate shall pay to the ommonwealth a part thereo* to %e
calculated on the proportion which his term o ser(ice with the
/tate %ears to his whole term o ser(ice* and or the purpose o the
calculation his salary shall %e taken to %e that paid to him %y the
/tate at the time o the transer.
Any oicer who is* at the esta%lishment o the ommonwealth* in
the pu%lic ser(ice o a /tate* and who is* %y consent o the
,o(ernor o the /tate with the ad(ice o the ;ecuti(e ouncil
thereo* transerred to the pu%lic ser(ice o the ommonwealth*
shall ha(e the same rights as i he had %een an oicer o a
department transerred to the ommonwealth and were retained in
the ser(ice o the ommonwealth.
95 Transfer of property of 'tate
?hen any department o the pu%lic ser(ice o a /tate is transerredto the ommonwealthC
GiH all property o the /tate o any kind* used eclusi(ely in
conneion with the department* shall %ecome (ested in the
ommonwealthD %ut* in the case o the departments
controlling customs and ecise and %ounties* or such time
only as the ,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil may declare to %e
necessaryD
GiiH the ommonwealth may ac>uire any property o the /tate* o
any kind used* %ut not eclusi(ely used in conneion with the
departmentD the (alue thereo shall* i no agreement can %e
made* %e ascertained in* as nearly as may %e* the manner in
which the (alue o land* or o an interest in land* taken %y the/tate or pu%lic purposes is ascertained under the law o the
/tate in orce at the esta%lishment o the ommonwealthD
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GiiiH the ommonwealth shall compensate the /tate or the (alue
o any property passing to the ommonwealth under this
sectionD i no agreement can %e made as to the mode ocompensation* it shall %e determined under laws to %e made
%y the $arliamentD
Gi(H the ommonwealth shall* at the date o the transer* assume
the current o%ligations o the /tate in respect o the
department transerred.
96 [Customs@ excise@ and bounties! see Note !31
&n the esta%lishment o the ommonwealth* the collection and
control o duties o customs and o ecise* and the control o the
payment o %ounties* shall pass to the ;ecuti(e ,o(ernment o
the ommonwealth.
98 [e"enue from customs and excise duties! see Note !31
)uring a period o ten years ater the esta%lishment o the
ommonwealth and thereater until the $arliament otherwise
pro(ides* o the net re(enue o the ommonwealth rom duties o
customs and o ecise not more than one+ourth shall %e applied
annually %y the ommonwealth towards its ependiture.
The %alance shall* in accordance with this onstitution* %e paid to
the se(eral /tates* or applied towards the payment o interest on
de%ts o the se(eral /tates taken o(er %y the ommonwealth.
99 Iniform duties of customs
niorm duties o customs shall %e imposed within two years ater
the esta%lishment o the ommonwealth.
9 %ayment to 'tates before uniform duties
ntil the imposition o uniorm duties o customsC
GiH the ommonwealth shall credit to each /tate the re(enues
collected therein %y the ommonwealthD
GiiH the ommonwealth shall de%it to each /tateC
GaH the ependiture therein o the ommonwealth incurred
solely or the maintenance or continuance* as at the time
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o transer* o any department transerred rom the /tate
to the ommonwealthD
G%H the proportion o the /tate* according to the num%er oits people* in the other ependiture o the
ommonwealthD
GiiiH the ommonwealth shall pay to each /tate month %y month
the %alance Gi anyH in a(our o the /tate.
? ,xclusi"e power o"er customs@ excise@ and bounties
&n the imposition o uniorm duties o customs the power o the
$arliament to impose duties o customs and o ecise* and to grant
%ounties on the production or eport o goods* shall %ecome
eclusi(e.
&n the imposition o uniorm duties o customs all laws o the
se(eral /tates imposing duties o customs or o ecise* or oering
%ounties on the production or eport o goods* shall cease to ha(e
eect* %ut any grant o or agreement or any such %ounty lawully
made %y or under the authority o the ,o(ernment o any /tate
shall %e taken to %e good i made %eore the thirtieth day o June*
one thousand eight hundred and ninety+eight* and not otherwise.
1 ,xceptions as to bounties
Nothing in this onstitution prohi%its a /tate rom granting any aid
to or %ounty on mining or gold* sil(er* or other metals* nor romgranting* with the consent o %oth =ouses o the $arliament o the
ommonwealth epressed %y resolution* any aid to or %ounty on
the production or eport o goods.
0 Trade within the Commonwealth to be free
&n the imposition o uniorm duties o customs* trade* commerce*
and intercourse among the /tates* whether %y means o internal
carriage or ocean na(igation* shall %e a%solutely ree.
7ut notwithstanding anything in this onstitution* goods imported
%eore the imposition o uniorm duties o customs into any /tate*or into any olony which* whilst the goods remain therein*
%ecomes a /tate* shall* on thence passing into another /tate within
two years ater the imposition o such duties* %e lia%le to any duty
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chargea%le on the importation o such goods into the
ommonwealth* less any duty paid in respect o the goods on their
importation.
3 %ayment to 'tates for fi"e years after uniform tariffs
)uring the irst i(e years ater the imposition o uniorm duties o
customs* and thereater until the $arliament otherwise pro(idesC
GiH the duties o customs chargea%le on goods imported into a
/tate and aterwards passing into another /tate or
consumption* and the duties o ecise paid on goods
produced or manuactured in a /tate and aterwards passing
into another /tate or consumption* shall %e taken to ha(e
%een collected not in the ormer %ut in the latter /tateD
GiiH su%@ect to the last su%section* the ommonwealth shall creditre(enue* de%it ependiture* and pay %alances to the se(eral
/tates as prescri%ed or the period preceding the imposition
o uniorm duties o customs.
4 7istribution of surplus
Ater i(e years rom the imposition o uniorm duties o customs*
the $arliament may pro(ide* on such %asis as it deems air* or the
monthly payment to the se(eral /tates o all surplus re(enue o the
ommonwealth.
5 Customs duties of estern Australia
Notwithstanding anything in this onstitution* the $arliament o
the /tate o ?estern Australia* i that /tate %e an &riginal /tate*
may* during the irst i(e years ater the imposition o uniorm
duties o customs* impose duties o customs on goods passing into
that /tate and not originally imported rom %eyond the limits o the
ommonwealthD and such duties shall %e collected %y the
ommonwealth.
7ut any duty so imposed on any goods shall not eceed during the
irst o such years the duty chargea%le on the goods under the law
o ?estern Australia in orce at the imposition o uniorm duties*and shall not eceed during the second* third* ourth* and ith o
such years respecti(ely* our+iths* three+iths* two+iths* and
one+ith o such latter duty* and all duties imposed under this
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The $arliament Chapter #
The =ouse o epresentati(es %art ###
/ection 2
section shall cease at the epiration o the ith year ater the
imposition o uniorm duties.
: at any time during the i(e years the duty on any goods under
this section is higher than the duty imposed %y the ommonwealth
on the importation o the like goods* then such higher duty shall %e
collected on the goods when imported into ?estern Australia rom
%eyond the limits o the ommonwealth.
6 .inancial assistance to 'tates
)uring a period o ten years ater the esta%lishment o the
ommonwealth and thereater until the $arliament otherwise
pro(ides* the $arliament may grant inancial assistance to any /tate
on such terms and conditions as the $arliament thinks it.
8 Audit
ntil the $arliament otherwise pro(ides* the laws in orce in any
olony which has %ecome or %ecomes a /tate with respect to the
receipt o re(enue and the ependiture o money on account o the
,o(ernment o the olony* and the re(iew and audit o such
receipt and ependiture* shall apply to the receipt o re(enue and
the ependiture o money on account o the ommonwealth in the
/tate in the same manner as i the ommonwealth* or the
,o(ernment or an oicer o the ommonwealth* were mentioned
whene(er the olony* or the ,o(ernment or an oicer o theolony* is mentioned.
9 Trade and commerce includes na"iation and 'tate railways
The power o the $arliament to make laws with respect to trade and
commerce etends to na(igation and shipping* and to railways the
property o any /tate.
Commonwealth not to i"e preference
The ommonwealth shall not* %y any law or regulation o trade*
commerce* or re(enue* gi(e preerence to one /tate or any partthereo o(er another /tate or any part thereo.
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
1?? Nor abride riht to use water
The ommonwealth shall not* %y any law or regulation o trade orcommerce* a%ridge the right o a /tate or o the residents therein to
the reasona%le use o the waters o ri(ers or conser(ation or
irrigation.
1?1 #nter<'tate Commission
There shall %e an :nter+/tate ommission* with such powers o
ad@udication and administration as the $arliament deems necessary
or the eecution and maintenance* within the ommonwealth* o
the pro(isions o this onstitution relating to trade and commerce*
and o all laws made thereunder.
1?0 %arliament may forbid preferences by 'tate
The $arliament may %y any law with respect to trade or commerce
or%id* as to railways* any preerence or discrimination %y any
/tate* or %y any authority constituted under a /tate* i such
preerence or discrimination is undue and unreasona%le* or un@ust
to any /tateD due regard %eing had to the inancial responsi%ilities
incurred %y any /tate in conneion with the construction and
maintenance o its railways. 7ut no preerence or discrimination
shall* within the meaning o this section* %e taken to %e undue and
unreasona%le* or un@ust to any /tate* unless so ad@udged %y the
:nter+/tate ommission.
1?3 Commissioners2 appointment@ tenure@ and remuneration
The mem%ers o the :nter+/tate ommissionC
GiH shall %e appointed %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncilD
GiiH shall hold oice or se(en years* %ut may %e remo(ed within
that time %y the ,o(ernor+,eneral in ouncil* on an address
rom %oth =ouses o the $arliament in the same session
praying or such remo(al on the ground o pro(ed
mis%eha(iour or incapacityD
GiiiH shall recei(e such remuneration as the $arliament may iD
%ut such remuneration shall not %e diminished during their
continuance in oice.
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1?4 'a"in of certain rates
Nothing in this onstitution shall render unlawul any rate or thecarriage o goods upon a railway* the property o a /tate* i the rate
is deemed %y the :nter+/tate ommission to %e necessary or the
de(elopment o the territory o the /tate* and i the rate applies
e>ually to goods within the /tate and to goods passing into the
/tate rom other /tates.
1?5 TaEin o"er public debts of 'tates
The $arliament may take o(er rom the /tates their pu%lic de%tsas
eisting at the esta%lishment o the ommonwealth* or a proportion
thereo according to the respecti(e num%ers o their people as
shown %y the latest statistics o the ommonwealth* and maycon(ert* renew* or consolidate such de%ts* or any part thereoD and
the /tates shall indemniy the ommonwealth in respect o the
de%ts taken o(er* and thereater the interest paya%le in respect o
the de%ts shall %e deducted and retained rom the portions o the
surplus re(enue o the ommonwealth paya%le to the se(eral
/tates* or i such surplus is insuicient* or i there is no surplus*
then the deiciency or the whole amount shall %e paid %y the
se(eral /tates.
1?5A Areements with respect to 'tate debts
(1) The Commonwealth may maEe areements with the 'tateswith respect to the public debts of the 'tates@ includin:
(a) the taEin o"er of such debts by the CommonwealthD
(b) the manaement of such debtsD
(c) the payment of interest and the pro"ision and
manaement of sinEin funds in respect of such debtsD
(d) the consolidation@ renewal@ con"ersion@ and redemption of
such debtsD
(e) the indemnification of the Commonwealth by the 'tates
in respect of debts taEen o"er by the CommonwealthD and
(f) the borrowin of money by the 'tates or by the
Commonwealth@ or by the Commonwealth for the 'tates=
(0) The %arliament may maEe laws for "alidatin any such
areement made before the commencement of this section=
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Chapter # The $arliament
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(3) The %arliament may maEe laws for the carryin out by the
parties thereto of any such areement=
(4) Any such areement may be "aried or rescinded by the parties
thereto=
(5) ,"ery such areement and any such "ariation thereof shall be
bindin upon the Commonwealth and the 'tates parties thereto
notwithstandin anythin contained in this Constitution or the
Constitution of the se"eral 'tates or in any law of the
%arliament of the Commonwealth or of any 'tate=
(6) The powers conferred by this section shall not be construed as
bein limited in any way by the pro"isions of section one
hundred and fi"e of this Constitution=
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/ection 2
Chapter *$The 'tates
1?6 'a"in of Constitutions
The onstitution o each /tate o the ommonwealth shall* su%@ect
to this onstitution* continue as at the esta%lishment o the
ommonwealth* or as at the admission or esta%lishment o the
/tate* as the case may %e* until altered in accordance with the
onstitution o the /tate.
1?8 'a"in of %ower of 'tate %arliaments
;(ery power o the $arliament o a olony which has %ecome or %ecomes a /tate* shall* unless it is %y this onstitution eclusi(ely
(ested in the $arliament o the ommonwealth or withdrawn rom
the $arliament o the /tate* continue as at the esta%lishment o the
ommonwealth* or as at the admission or esta%lishment o the
/tate* as the case may %e.
1?9 'a"in of 'tate laws
;(ery law in orce in a olony which has %ecome or %ecomes a
/tate* and relating to any matter within the powers o the
$arliament o the ommonwealth* shall* su%@ect to this
onstitution* continue in orce in the /tateD and* until pro(ision is
made in that %ehal %y the $arliament o the ommonwealth* the
$arliament o the /tate shall ha(e such powers o alteration and o
repeal in respect o any such law as the $arliament o the olony
had until the olony %ecame a /tate.
1? #nconsistency of laws
?hen a law o a /tate is inconsistent with a law o the
ommonwealth* the latter shall pre(ail* and the ormer shall* to the
etent o the inconsistency* %e in(alid.
11? %ro"isions referrin to &o"ernor
The pro(isions o this onstitution relating to the ,o(ernor o a
/tate etend and apply to the ,o(ernor or the time %eing o the
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
/tate* or other chie eecuti(e oicer or administrator o the
go(ernment o the /tate.
111 'tates may surrender territory
The $arliament o a /tate may surrender any part o the /tate to the
ommonwealthD and upon such surrender* and the acceptance
thereo %y the ommonwealth* such part o the /tate shall %ecome
su%@ect to the eclusi(e @urisdiction o the ommonwealth.
110 'tates may le"y chares for inspection laws
Ater uniorm duties o customs ha(e %een imposed* a /tate may
le(y on imports or eports* or on goods passing into or out o the
/tate* such charges as may %e necessary or eecuting theinspection laws o the /tateD %ut the net produce o all charges so
le(ied shall %e or the use o the ommonwealthD and any such
inspection laws may %e annulled %y the $arliament o the
ommonwealth.
113 #ntoxicatin liuids
All ermented* distilled* or other intoicating li>uids passing into
any /tate or remaining therein or use* consumption* sale* or
storage* shall %e su%@ect to the laws o the /tate as i such li>uids
had %een produced in the /tate.
114 'tates may not raise forces= Taxation of property of
Commonwealth or 'tate
A /tate shall not* without the consent o the $arliament o the
ommonwealth* raise or maintain any na(al or military orce* or
impose any ta on property o any kind %elonging to the
ommonwealth* nor shall the ommonwealth impose any ta on
property o any kind %elonging to a /tate.
115 'tates not to coin money
A /tate shall not coin money* nor make anything %ut gold andsil(er coin a legal tender in payment o de%ts.
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116 Commonwealth not to leislate in respect of reliion
The ommonwealth shall not make any law or esta%lishing anyreligion* or or imposing any religious o%ser(ance* or or
prohi%iting the ree eercise o any religion* and no religious test
shall %e re>uired as a >ualiication or any oice or pu%lic trust
under the ommonwealth.
118 ihts of residents in 'tates
A su%@ect o the ueen* resident in any /tate* shall not %e su%@ect in
any other /tate to any disa%ility or discrimination which would not
%e e>ually applica%le to him i he were a su%@ect o the ueen
resident in such other /tate.
119 econition of laws etc= of 'tates
6ull aith and credit shall %e gi(en* throughout the ommonwealth
to the laws* the pu%lic Acts and records* and the @udicial
proceedings o e(ery /tate.
11 %rotection of 'tates from in"asion and "iolence
The ommonwealth shall protect e(ery /tate against in(asion and*
on the application o the ;ecuti(e ,o(ernment o the /tate*
against domestic (iolence.
10? Custody of offenders aainst laws of the Commonwealth
;(ery /tate shall make pro(ision or the detention in its prisons o
persons accused or con(icted o oences against the laws o the
ommonwealth* and or the punishment o persons con(icted o
such oences* and the $arliament o the ommonwealth may make
laws to gi(e eect to this pro(ision.
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
Chapter *#$New 'tates
101 New 'tates may be admitted or established
The $arliament may admit to the ommonwealth or esta%lish new
/tates* and may upon such admission or esta%lishment make or
impose such terms and conditions* including the etent o
representation in either =ouse o the $arliament* as it thinks it.
100 &o"ernment of territories
The $arliament may make laws or the go(ernment o any territory
surrendered %y any /tate to and accepted %y the ommonwealth*or o any territory placed %y the ueen under the authority o and
accepted %y the ommonwealth* or otherwise ac>uired %y the
ommonwealth* and may allow the representation o such territory
in either =ouse o the $arliament to the etent and on the terms
which it thinks it.
103 Alteration of limits of 'tates
The $arliament o the ommonwealth may* with the consent o the
$arliament o a /tate* and the appro(al o the ma@ority o the
electors o the /tate (oting upon the >uestion* increase* diminish*
or otherwise alter the limits o the /tate* upon such terms and
conditions as may %e agreed on* and may* with the like consent*
make pro(ision respecting the eect and operation o any increase
or diminution or alteration o territory in relation to any /tate
aected.
104 .ormation of new 'tates
A new /tate may %e ormed %y separation o territory rom a /tate*
%ut only with the consent o the $arliament thereo* and a new
/tate may %e ormed %y the union o two or more /tates or parts o
/tates* %ut only with the consent o the $arliaments o the /tates
aected.
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/ection 2
Chapter *##$/iscellaneous
105 'eat of &o"ernment
The seat o ,o(ernment o the ommonwealth shall %e determined
%y the $arliament* and shall %e within territory which shall ha(e
%een granted to or ac>uired %y the ommonwealth* and shall %e
(ested in and %elong to the ommonwealth* and shall %e in the
/tate o New /outh ?ales* and %e distant not less than one hundred
miles rom /ydney.
/uch territory shall contain an area o not less than one hundred
s>uare miles* and such portion thereo as shall consist o rownlands shall %e granted to the ommonwealth without any payment
thereor.
The $arliament shall sit at 9el%ourne until it meet at the seat o
,o(ernment.
106 %ower to er /aFesty to authorise &o"ernor<&eneral to appoint
deputies see Note !41
The ueen may authorise the ,o(ernor+,eneral to appoint any
person* or any persons @ointly or se(erally* to %e his deputy or
deputies within any part o the ommonwealth* and in thatcapacity to eercise during the pleasure o the ,o(ernor+,eneral
such powers and unctions o the ,o(ernor+,eneral as he thinks it
to assign to such deputy or deputies* su%@ect to any limitations
epressed or directions gi(en %y the ueenD %ut the appointment o
such deputy or deputies shall not aect the eercise %y the
,o(ernor+,eneral himsel o any power or unction.
108 Aboriines not to be counted in recEonin population
:n reckoning the num%ers o people o the ommonwealth* or o a
/tate or other part o the ommonwealth* a%original nati(es shall
not %e counted.
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Chapter # The $arliament
%art ### The =ouse o epresentati(es
/ection 24
Chapter *###$Alteration of the Constitution
109 /ode of alterin the Constitution see Note !1
This onstitution shall not %e altered ecept in the ollowing
mannerC
The proposed law or the alteration thereo must %e passed %y an
a%solute ma@ority o each =ouse o the $arliament* and not less
than two nor more than si months ater its passage through %oth
=ouses the proposed law shall %e su%mitted in each /tate and
Territory to the electors >ualiied to (ote or the election o
mem%ers o the =ouse o epresentati(es.
7ut i either =ouse passes any such proposed law %y an a%solute
ma@ority* and the other =ouse re@ects or ails to pass it* or passes it
with any amendment to which the irst+mentioned =ouse will not
agree* and i ater an inter(al o three months the irst+mentioned
=ouse in the same or the net session again passes the proposed
law %y an a%solute ma@ority with or without any amendment which
has %een made or agreed to %y the other =ouse* and such other
=ouse re@ects or ails to pass it or passes it with any amendment to
which the irst+mentioned =ouse will not agree* the
,o(ernor+,eneral may su%mit the proposed law as last proposed
%y the irst+mentioned =ouse* and either with or without anyamendments su%se>uently agreed to %y %oth =ouses* to the
electors in each /tate and Territory >ualiied to (ote or the
election o the =ouse o epresentati(es.
?hen a proposed law is su%mitted to the electors the (ote shall %e
taken in such manner as the $arliament prescri%es. 7ut until the
>ualiication o electors o mem%ers o the =ouse o
epresentati(es %ecomes uniorm throughout the ommonwealth*
only one+hal the electors (oting or and against the proposed law
shall %e counted in any /tate in which adult surage pre(ails.
And i in a ma@ority o the /tates a ma@ority o the electors (otingappro(e the proposed law* and i a ma@ority o all the electors
(oting also appro(e the proposed law* it shall %e presented to the
,o(ernor+,eneral or the ueen-s assent.
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The $arliament Chapter #
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/ection 2
No alteration diminishing the proportionate representation o any
/tate in either =ouse o the $arliament* or the minimum num%er o
representati(es o a /tate in the =ouse o epresentati(es* orincreasing* diminishing* or otherwise altering the limits o the
/tate* or in any manner aecting the pro(isions o the onstitution
in relation thereto* shall %ecome law unless the ma@ority o the
electors (oting in that /tate appro(e the proposed law.
#n this section@ Territory means any territory referred to in
section one hundred and twenty<two of this Constitution in
respect of which there is in force a law allowin its
representation in the ouse of epresentati"es=
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'chedule
'chedule
&AT=
:* A..* do swear that : will %e aithul and %ear true allegiance to =er
9a@esty ueen <ictoria* =er heirs and successors according to law.
/& =;'$ 9; ,&)
A66:9AT:&N
:* A..* do solemnly and sincerely airm and declare that : will %e aithul
and %ear true allegiance to =er 9a@esty ueen <ictoria* =er heirs and
successors according to law.
GN&T;C 'he name of the in$ or ueen of the nite in$om of -reat ritain an relan forthe time +ein$ is to +e su+stitute from time to time. H
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Table of Acts
Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia
Constitution Act
Note 1
The ommonwealth o Australia onstitution Act Gthe onstitutionH as shown
in this compilation comprises the onstitution amended as indicated in the
Ta%les %elow.
Table of Acts
Act Number
and year
Date
of Assent
Constitution Alteration (Senate Elections) 1906 1, 1907 3 Apr 1907
Constitution Alteration (State Debts) 1909 3, 1910 6 Aug 1910
Constitution Alteration (State Debts) 1928 1, 1929 13 Feb 1929
Constitution Alteration (Social Services) 196 81, 1946 19 Dec 1946
Constitution Alteration (Abori!inals) 196" 55, 1967 10 Aug 1967
Constitution Alteration (Senate Casual #acancies) 19"" 82, 1977 29 July 1977
Constitution Alteration ($etirement of %u&!es) 19"" 83, 1977 29 July 1977
Constitution Alteration ($eferen&ums) 19"" 84, 1977 29 July 1977
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Table of Amendments
Table of Amendments
a! " ae or #$serte a%! " a%e$e rep! " repeale rs! " repeale a$ subst#tute
&ro'#s#o$ a((ecte )o* a((ecte
+! 13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a%! No! 1, 1907
+! 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! rs! No! 82, 1977
+! 51!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a%! No! 81, 1946 No! 55, 1967
+! 72!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a%! No! 83, 1977
+! 105!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a%! No! 3, 1910
+! 105A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a! No! 1, 1929
+! 127!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! rep! No! 55, 1967
+! 128!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a%! No! 84, 1977
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Note 11
Note 2
o(ering lause 3FThe $roclamation under co(ering clause 3 was made on
!# /eptem%er !"00 and pu%lished in -aette !"0!.
Note 3
o(ering lause 5F see also the #tatute of estminster Aoption Act 1942 .
Note 4
o(ering lause #FThe ollowing Acts ha(e repealed Acts passed %y the
6ederal ouncil o AustralasiaC
efence Act 1903 GNo. 20* !"03H* s.
%earl &isheries Act 1952 GNo. 8* !"52H* s. 3 G %earl &isheries Act 1952 repealed
%y Continental #helf 78ivin$ atural *esources: Act 196)* s. 3H
#ervice an ;<ecution of %rocess Act 1901 GNo. !!* !"0!H* s. 2 Gsu%se>uently
repealed %y #ervice an ;<ecution of %rocess Act 1963* s. 3H.
Note 5
/ection #FThe num%er o senators or each /tate was increased to !2 %y the
*epresentation Act 19)3* s. 3.
Note 6
/ection "FThe ollowing /tate Acts ha(e %een passed in pursuance o the
powers conerred %y s. "C
State Number Short title How affected
Ne* +outh -ales No! 73, 1900 'e&eral Elections Act1900
+s! 2, 3, 4, 5 a$ 6a$ the +cheulerepeale by No! 9,1903 *hollyrepeale by No! 41,1912
No! 9, 1903 Senators Elections Act190
(still in force)
.#ctor#a No! 1715 'e&eral Elections Act1900
/epeale byNo! 1860
No! 1860 Senate Elections (*imesan& +laces) Act 190
/epeale byNo! 2723
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Note 12
State Number Short title How affected
No! 2399 Senate Elections (*imes
an& +laces) Act 1912
/epeale by
No! 2723No! 2723 Senate Elections (*imes
an& +laces) Act 191, /epeale byNo! 3769
No! 3769 Senate Elections (*imesan& +laces) Act 1928
/epeale byNo! 6365
No! 6365 Senate Elections Act 19,8 (still in force)
uee$sla$ 64 .#c! No! 25 *he +arliament of theCommonwealthElections Act an& theElections Acts 188, to1898 Amen&ment Act of1900
perat#o$ehauste
3 *! .!No! 6
*he Election of Senators Act of 190
/epeale by 9 l#!! No! 20
9 l#! !No! 20
*he Senate Elections Actof 1960
(still in force)
+outh Austral#a No! 834 *he Election of Senators Act 190
(still in force)
-ester$ Austral#a No! 11, 1903 Election of Senators Act190
(still in force)
as%a$#a 64 .#c! No! 59 *he 'e&eral Elections Act1900
/epeale by 26eo! .! No! 3
3 *! .!No! 5
*he Election of Senators Act 190
/epeale by 26eo! .! No! 3
26 eo! .!No! 3
Senate Elections Act 19, (still in force)
Note 7
/ection !4F6or the pro(isions applica%le upon the increase in the num%er o
senators to !2 made %y the *epresentation Act 19)3* see s. 3 o that Act.
Note 8
/ection !5FThe proposed law to alter the onstitution entitled KConstitution
Alteration 7#imultaneous ;lections: 19((= was su%mitted to the electors in each
/tate o the ommonwealth on 2! 9ay !"##C it was not appro(ed %y a ma@ority
o all the electors (oting in a ma@ority o the /tates. #ee -aette !"##* No.
/!00.
Note 9
/ection 2"FThe ollowing /tate Acts were passed in pursuance o the powers
conerred %y s. 2"* %ut ceased to %e in orce upon the enactment o the
Commonwealth ;lectoral Act 1902C
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Note 11
State Number Short title
Ne* +outh -ales No! 73, 1900 'e&eral Elections Act 1900
.#ctor#a No! 1667 'e&eral -ouse of $e.resentatives #ictorianElectorates Act 1900
uee$sla$ 64 .#c! No! 25 *he +arliament of the CommonwealthElections Act an& *he Elections Acts 188,to 1898 Amen&ment Act of 1900
-ester$ Austral#a 64 .#c! No! 6 'e&eral -ouse of $e.resentatives /estern Australian Electorates Act 1900
Note 1
/ection 5!FThe ollowing :mperial Acts etended the legislati(e powers o the
$arliamentC
halin$ nustr, 7*e$ulations: Act 1934* s. !5
-eneva Convention Act> 193( * s. 2
;mer$enc, %owers 7efence: Act 1939* s. 5
Arm, an Air &orce 7Annual: Act 1940* s. 3.
Note 11
/ection 5! G(iiHFThe ollowing Acts ha(e %een passed %y the $arliaments
o the /tates to reer matters to the $arliament under section 5! G(iiHC
State Number Short title How affected
Ne* +outh -ales No! 65, 1915 Commonwealth +owers(/ar) Act 191,
p#re 9 Ja$ 1921see s! 5
No! 33, 1942 Commonwealth +owers Act 192
p#re see s! 4
No! 18, 1943 Commonwealth +owers Act 19
p#re see s! 4
No! 48, 1983 Commonwealth +owers(eat ns.ection) Act198
(still in force)
No! 182, 1986 Commonwealth +owers('amil 3aw4Chil&ren)
Act 1986
(still in force)
No! 61, 1992 utual $eco!nition (5ewSouth /ales) Act 1992
(still in force)
No! 104, 1992 Commonwealth +owers(State an7in!) Act1992
(still in force)
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 53
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Note 12
State Number Short title How affected
No! 100, 1993 Commonwealth +owers
(+oultr +rocessin!) Act 199
(still in force)
No! 1, 2001 Cor.orations(Commonwealth+owers) Act 2001
(still in force)
No! 114, 2002 *errorism (Commonwealth+owers) Act 2002
(still in force)
.#ctor#a No! 3108 Commonwealth +owers(Air 5avi!ation) Act1920
/epeale byNo! 4502
No! 3658 Commonwealth Arran!ements Act 1928(+art )
&art /epeale byNo! 4502 &arts /epeale by No!6223
No! 4009 Debt Conversion
A!reement Act 191(5o 2)
(still in force)
No! 4950 Commonwealth +owers Act 19
Not procla#%e toco%e #$to operat#o$a$ ca$$ot $o* beso procla#%e
No! 92, 1986 Commonwealth +owers('amil 3aw4Chil&ren)
Act 1986
(still in force)
No! 2, 1993 utual $eco!nition(#ictoria) Act 199
(still in force)
No! 59, 1996 Commonwealth +owers(n&ustrial $elations) Act 1996
(still in force)
No! 6, 2001 Cor.orations
(Commonwealth+owers) Act 2001
(still in force)
No! 14, 2003 *errorism (Commonwealth+owers) Act 200
(still in force)
uee$sla$ 12 eo! .!No! 30
*he Commonwealth+owers (Air 5avi!ation)
Act 1921
/epeale by 1 eo!.! No! 8
22 eo! .!No! 30
*he Commonwealth3e!islative +ower Act191
/epeale by No! 46,1983
7 eo! .!No! 19
Commonwealth +owers Act 19
p#re see s! 4
14 eo! .!No! 2
*he Commonwealth+owers (Air *rans.ort)
Act 19,0
(still in force)
No! 37, 1990 Commonwealth +owers('amil 3aw4Chil&ren)
Act 1990
(still in force)
No! 67, 1992 utual $eco!nition(ueenslan&) Act 1992
(still in force)
54 Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Note 11
State Number Short title How affected
No! 43, 2001 Cor.orations
(Commonwealth+owers) Act 2001
(still in force)
No! 79, 2002 *errorism (Commonwealth+owers) Act 2002
(still in force)
+outh Austral#a No! 1469,1921
Commonwealth +owers(Air 5avi!ation) Act1921
/epeale byNo! 2352, 1937
No! 2061,1931
Commonwealth3e!islative +ower Act191
(still in force)
No! 3, 1943 Commonwealth +owers Act 19
p#re see s! 5
No! 89, 1986 Commonwealth +owers('amil 3aw) Act 1986
(still in force)
No! 72, 1993 utual $eco!nition (South Australia) Act 199
(still in force)
No! 21, 2001 Cor.orations(Commonwealth+owers) Act 2001
(still in force)
No! 50, 2002 *errorism (Commonwealth+owers) Act 2002
(still in force)
-ester$ Austral#a No! 4, 1943 Commonwealth +owers Act 19
/epeale by No! 58,1965
No! 57, 1945 Commonwealth +owers Act 19,
/epeale by No! 58,1965
No! 30, 1947 Commonwealth +owers Act 19: Amen&ment Act 19"
/epeale by No! 58,1965
No! 31, 1947 Commonwealth +owers
Act 19,: Amen&ment Act 19"
/epeale by No! 58,
1965
No! 73, 1947 Commonwealth +owers Act 19,: Amen&ment Act (5o 2): 19"
/epeale by No! 58,1965
No! 81, 1947 Commonwealth +owers Act 19,;19": Amen&ment(Continuance) Act 19"
/epeale by No! 58,1965
No! 53, 1995 utual $eco!nition(/estern Australia) Act199,
(still in force)
No! 7, 2001 Cor.orations(Commonwealth+owers) Act 2001
(still in force)
No! 53, 2002 *errorism (Commonwealth+owers) Act 2002
(still in force)
as%a$#a 11 eo! .!No! 42
Commonwealth +owers(Air 5avi!ation) Act1920
/epeale by 1 eo!.! No! 14
Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 55
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Notes to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
Note 12
State Number Short title How affected
No! 46, 1952 Commonwealth +owers
(Air *rans.ort) Act 19,2
(still in force)
No! 62, 1966 Commonwealth +owers(*ra&e +ractices) Act1966
p#re see s! 2
No! 5, 1987 Commonwealth +owers('amil 3aw) Act 198"
(still in force)
No! 33, 1993 utual $eco!nition(*asmania) Act 199
(still in force)
No! 20, 1994 Commonwealth +owers('amil 3aw)
Amen&ment Act 199
(still in force)
No! 39, 2001 Cor.orations(Commonwealth+owers) Act 2001
(still in force)
No! 68, 2002 *errorism (Commonwealth+owers) Act 2002
(still in force)
Note 12
/ection #4F #ee %riv, Council 78imitation of Appeals: Act 196)* %riv, Council
7Appeals from the ?i$h Court: Act 19(5 and Birmani ( aptain ook ruises
$ty. 'td No. 21 G!"85H !5" ' 4!.
Note 13
/ections 8 and 8#Fthe headings or these sections ha(e %een added or
compilation purposes.
Note 14
/. !2F #ee clause :< o the 'etters $atent relating to the &ice o
,o(ernor+,eneral* pu%lished in -aette !"84* /334.