AGLC

Rule 3.1.1- 3.1.6: The essence of citing an act is Short Title with Year + Jurisdiction + section number.

AGLC Chapter 3 details with citing legislation. The guidelines presented on these pages are consistent with advice given in AGLC and should be followed carefully.

Generally, the following rules apply to the domestic legislation of Australia and the states: acts or statutes and delegated legislation: rules, regulations, by-laws, ordinances.

1. When citing legislation refer to the principal Act - it is assumed this refers to the act as amended.
2. Only refer to an amending Act if it is relevant to a particular point in an argument.
3. Always cite legislation in print format, regardless if accessed online.
4. Jurisdiction should be abbreviated according to Rule 3.1.3.
5. Pinpoints should be abbreviated as stated in AGLC rule 3.1.4. The pinpoint abbreviation and number must be separated by a space, however do not add a space in between a section and sub-section number. Example: s 3(a) or s 31(1).
6. Consecutive pinpoints should be separated by an en-dash “–“ [use ctrl + minus key (for PC); command + minus key (for Mac)] and non-consecutive pinpoints by a comma and a space. Example: ss 5-8.
7. Consult AGLC rule 3.1.5 for comprehensive discussion of multiple pinpoint references.
8. Where referring to a legislative provision in the text of your work, you should write as you would speak.
   Example: Incorrect: Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 (Vic) s 10 states that... Correct: Section 10 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 (Vic) states that …
9. Subsequent references may now be used for legislation Rule 3.5.