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Australian Guide to Legal Citation 4th Edition

Guidance on using the Australian Guide to Legal Citation referencing style

Legislative definitions

Legislative definitions

See AGLC Part II — Domestic Sources > 3 Legislative Materials > rule 3.1.6

 

A definition that is a numbered section of an Act should be cited as a normal section. For example, the definition of 'compatible with human rights' is referenced as: Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) s 8.

For unnumbered definitions, cite the Act as normal followed by  s [section number] (definition of 'Defined Term').

If the definition appears in a portion of an Act other than a section, amend the above accordingly, eg to sch [schedule number].
 

Examples

1 Bail Act 1980 (Qld) s 6 (definition of 'terrorism offence').

2 Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) s 9 (definition of 'administrator' para (a)(i)).

3 Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) sch 5 (definition of 'matter').


Legislative history

Legislative history

See AGLC Part II — Domestic Sources > 3 Legislative Materials > rule 3.8

 

Use an appropriate phrase from the below list to indicate the legislative history of an Act or provision where needed:

  • as enacted / as at Full Date
  • as amended by / later amended by / amending
  • as repealed by / repealing
  • as inserted by / inserting.

 

Examples

4 Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1971 (Cth), as enacted.

5 Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) s 60CC, as at 1 September 2018.

6 Corrective Services (Emerging Technologies and Security) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (Qld) s 5, amending Corrective Services Act 2006 (Qld) s 13.

7 Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) s 24A(g), as repealed by Anti-Terrorism Act (No 2) 2005 (Cth) sch 7 item 2.

8 Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) ch 5B, as inserted by Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 (Qld) s 19.