Last updated:
Sunday, 23 August 2015
Cabinet and Cabinet committees consider papers on primary (bills) and secondary (regulations and Orders in Council) legislation. The CabGuide contains information on the legislation process, divided into sections on bills and regulations, including:
- the Legislation Programme, including the template for papers seeking priority for a bill to be included on the Programme
- the standard process for the development and approval of bills
- the requirements for Ministerial consultation
- the format of papers seeking approval for the introduction of a bill
- the process for making policy changes to a bill after introduction (usually through a Supplementary Order Paper)
- the standard process for developing and making regulations, including a flowchart of the process after policy approval, and on how to submit regulations to the Executive Council
- the format of papers seeking authorisation to submit regulations to the Executive Council, including requirements around statutory prerequisites and the 28-day rule.
The Cabinet Manual includes high-level information about the development and approval of bills and regulations, the requirements for officials making submissions to select committees, and when consultation is required (follow this link for general information on consultation).
The Parliamentary Counsel Office Turning Policy Into Law guide also provides helpful advice on the legislative process, including frequently asked questions.
Officials must also take into account the Legislation Design and Advisory Committee’s Legislation Guidelines.
