What is the difference between a bill and an act?

• A. A bill is a law that has already passed by both houses.
• B. A bill is a proposal for a law.
• C. An act is a proposal for a law.
• D. A bill is a proposal for a law; an act is a bill that has passed both houses and received Royal Assent.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is when a proposal becomes law. A bill is just a proposal for a law that is debated and voted on in Parliament. It moves through readings, possibly is amended, and must be approved by both houses. If it finally receives the Governor-General’s (or Governor’s) assent, it becomes an act, which is the actual law that people must follow. Not every bill ends up as an act—some are withdrawn, rejected, or fail to get assent. An act is the completed form of the proposal after it has passed all the required steps and received approval, the point at which it becomes enforceable legislation.