Legal Research Guide: Source Legislation

Step 1:

Source Act using Legify.com.au

Step 1:

Select Legislation from the Explore pod

Select Commonwealth from the Jurisdiction list.

Step 1:

Source Act using Legify.com.au

Step 2:

In the TABLE OF CONTENTS pane
scroll down to the very last item
to find the Endnotes
(expand + the last item, if necessary)

Step 2.

Scroll down to the table, from the Acts column, select All Acts by Title.

Step 2:

Navigate through the Act to the clause

Step 3:

Expand  + the Endnotes

Step 3.

Select the relevant letter from the A-Z table

Step 3:

Amendment history is located
immediately below each clause

Note the amendment dates

Step 4:

Select Endnote 4—Amendment history

Step 4:

Select the Compare Versions button

Step 4:

Return to the list of Versions

Step 5:

Locate section number to find amending/inserting/etc Act/s

Note:  Amending Act is given by number (note Act’s assent date)

Step 5.

Select versions to compare

Select whether to view all (use the right hand navigation menu) or only Additions or only Deletions

Additions are highlighted in green and deletions are marked with red strikethroughs.

Select view - side-by side or Overlay

Step 5:

Read the Currency start and end dates
Select the version of the Act that contains the amendment date

Step 6:

Search for Act by Number to see change/s:

1. Acts
2. As made
3. Year / Number

To find the amendment Ctl + F  [section number or keyword]

Step 6:

From the Compare column, select the PDF version of the Act

Step 7:

To see original wording to compare changes:

1. Select View Series
2. Read the Start and End dates for each version
3. Select version of Act prior to change (prior to amending Act's assent date)

Step 7:

Use the Bookmarks to quickly navigate to the section to see the change in wording

Step 1:

Source Act on Federal Register of Legislation

Tip: use Legify

Step 1:

Source Act on Western Australian Legislation

Tip: use Legify

Step 2:

Select the All Versions link from the activity menu
located below the deep blue band and above the Act name

Step 2:

Select Versions of this Act
(includes consolidations, Reprints and “As passed” versions)

Step 3:

Check the Effective dates Start and End dates each version was in force between

Step 3:

Select Consolidated Versions

Step 4:

Select the version relevant to specific time period

Step 4:

Check the Start and End dates each version was in force between

AustLII

Jade

Lexis+

Westlaw Australia 

Option 1: LawCite

1. Select LawCite (located at the far right on the red band)

1. Select Jade Browser tab

Select Legislation Collection

Select By legislature

LawNow Plus Legislation Citator

1. From the Explore pod select Legislation tab

Select Western Australia from the Jurisdiction list

Option 1: Global Search:

1. Type the Act title and section number in the global search box

Example: Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2022 141

WAIT

2. Complete Legislation Considered fields

Tip: Do not include a designation abbreviation - just the number

Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act   141

_________________________

2. Select Western Australian Legislation - Acts (WALegAct)

Navigate to the relevant Act:

Select Le

Select Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act

2. From the Acts column, select All Acts by Title

2. From the drop down suggestions, select the linked section title 

Option 2: NoteUp

1. Select the relevant jurisdiction from the black ribbon on the AustLII home page

Example: WA

3. Navigate to relevant section

Select section title

3. Navigate to the required Act using the alphabetic index.

3. From the  Citing References tab, select Cases

_________________________

2. Type the Act title and section number (number only) in the search box (located at the top right of screen)

Example: Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2022  141

4. Select relevant citations

4. Click View Legislation Citator link.

Option 2: Global Search:

1. Search by Act title in double inverted commas and section number to be within 10 words of Act title

e.g. 
"Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2022" /10 141

Tip: Sign up for Jade Professional using your Murdoch student email address @student.murdoch.edu.au

(it is free)

2. Select Cases

Option 1: Select View All Cases

Option 2: Select Cases from the Content types menu

4. Select the hyperlinked Act and Section from the Results list

from the Western Australian Current Acts database

Option 3: Advanced Search

1. Select Content type - All Cases

2. Select Advanced Search

3. Complete Legislation Cited (Title) and Legislation Cited (Provision) fields

Tip: Do not include a designation abbreviation
- just the number

_________________________

Option 1: LawCite:

Step 1:

Select LawCite
located at the end of the red stripe

Step 1:

Search by Act title in double inverted commas and jurisdiction

e.g. 
"Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act" AND (Western OR WA)

Tip:
check the box for  Full text only
only add the provision number - not s, p, etc

Step 1:

Select drop-down arrow beside Advanced Search
Select Secondary Materials

Step 1:

Search by Act title in double inverted commas and section number to be within 10 words of Act title

e.g. 
"Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act" /10 141

Step 2:

Add the Act title in Legislation Considered:

Add the provision number in Section

Tips:
omit the Act year
only add the provision number - not s, p, etc

Step 2:

Select Search

Step 2:

Navigate to Legislation Title and Provision Number and add term (Act title) and provision number. Select Search.

Step 2:

Select Search

Step 3:

Select Search

Step 3: 

Narrow results by using filters located to the left of the screen. 

Step 3:

From the Results page:

Option 1: Select View All Secondary Sources

Option 2: Select Secondary Sources from the Content types menu

Step 4:

Select
Law Journal Articles matching this search 
located at end of menu below LawCite logo

Step 4:

Narrow results by using filters
located to the left of screen

Step 4:

From the Filter menu on the left of screen,
from the By Type filterselect Law Reviews & Journals

Step 5:

Either add search terms to top search text box, or use the options in the Filter menu on the left of screen

Step 1:

Select ParlInfo on Parliament of Australia

Step 1:

Source Act using Legify.com.au from the Federal Register of Legislation for Bills that passed from 1901-1937, 1996 + 

Step 1:

Select Bills from the Parliamentary Business drop-down menu on Parliament of Western Australia

Step 2:

Select Guided Search tab

Step 2:

In the Federal Register of Legislation select the All Versions link from the activity menu located below the deep blue band and above the Act name

Step 2:

Select the Bill from the A-Z list

Step 3:

Select Documents relating to a Bill

Step 3:

Scroll to the bottom of the page to the As made heading to access the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum links

Other Source:

AustLII
(but not recommended, as this is not an authorised source)

Step 4:

Enter Bill title (subject words only)

Include date range if relevant

Step 5:

Select the relevant Bill from the results List

Step 6:

Select the link to the Bill home page

Tip:

Select the link to the Bills Digest

Bills Digest gives summary, purpose, background and impact of Bill

(view in PDF format for live links)

Other Source:

AustLII - Browse by year or title

(but not recommended, as this is not an authorised source)

Print:

Law Library: Stack 24

Australian Parliament. House of representatives & Senate.
Bills & Explanatory Memoranda

Geoffrey Bolton Library South Wing Level 3 R 348.9401 AUS  

Print:

Law Library: Stack 38

Western Australian Parliament
Bills Introduced to the Legislative Assembly

Geoffrey Bolton Library South Wing Level 3 R  348.94101 W527 1 

Online:

Look in Hansard

Online:

Look in Hansard

Step 1:

Select drop-down arrow beside Advanced Search
Select Legislation

Step 1:

Select  Content type - Legislation

Step 2:

Navigate down to Defined Terms

Step 2:

Select Advanced Search

Step 3:

Add the term and select Search.

Step 3:

Navigate down to Defined Terms

Step 4:

Narrow results by using filters
located to the left of screen

Step 4:

Add the term and select Search.

Step 1:

Source Bill on Parliament of Australia

Instructions for Source Blls

Step 1:

Source Act using Legify.com.au from the Federal Register of Legislation for Bills that passed from 1901-1937, 1996 + 

Step 1:

Source Bill on Parliament of Western Australia

Step 2:

Select the Bill from the Browse list

Step 2:

In the Federal Register of Legislation select the All Versions link from the activity menu located below the deep blue band and above the Act name

Step 2:

Select the Bill from the Browse list

Step 3:

Navigate down the Bills page to access the EM

Step 3:

Scroll to the bottom of the page to the As made heading

Click on the link to View Originating Bill and explanatory memorandum

Example: Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Bill 2008

Step 3:

Navigate down the Bills page to access the EM

Step 4:

Select Explanatory Memorandum icon from the Downloads block on the right side of screen

Step 1:

Access Hansard on Parliament of Australia

Step 1:

Access Hansard on Parliament of Western Australia

Step 1:

Access Hansard on Parliament of Western Australia

Step 2:

Scroll down screen to Search Hansard

Step 2:

Select 

Advanced search (August 2000 until present)

Step 2:

Select

Hansard archive (1870 - June 2000)

Step 3:

Select More options to expand search
Uncheck Hansard title only

Step 3:

Check the box for Detailed Word and Phrase Searching

Step 3:

Select Advanced search
(located on the right of screen)

Step 4:

Add the details you know 

Tip: use the From & To calendar dates

Step 4:

Add the details you know 

Step 4:

Add the details you know 

Step 5:

Select Search

Step 5:

Select Search

Step 5:

Select Search

AustLII

CCH iKnowConnect 

Lexis+ 

Westlaw Australia 

1. Select LawCite (located at the far right on the red band)

1. Add the legislation title and section number to the search box

Tip: Enclose the legislation title in double inverted commas

"Commercial Tenancy (Retail Shops) Agreements Act 1985"

1. Select  Advanced Search > Secondary Materials

1.  Search by Act title in double inverted commas and section number to be within 10 words of Act title

e.g. "Commercial Tenancy (Retail Shops) Agreements Act 1985"

2. Complete Legislation Title and Provision Number fields

Tip: Do not include a designation abbreviation - just the number)

2. Narrow Results

by CONTENT TYPE

▢ Commentary

2. Enter search terms in search box and click Search. 

2. Navigate the Contents page to
section 16 Party to lease may refer question to SAT

3. Narrow the search results by selecting Commentary from filters on left hand side. 

3. Expand the Citing References tab

Select Secondary Sources from the drop down menu

4. Select Commentary from the Content types filter menu on the left of screen

ad = added or inserted

o = order(s)

am = amended

Ord = Ordinance

amdt = amendment

orig = original

c = clause(s)

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)/sub-subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

pres = present

Ch = Chapter(s)

prev = previous

def = definition(s)

(prev ... ) = previously

Dict = Dictionary

Pt = Part(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

Div = Division(s)

reloc = relocated

ed = editorial change

renum = renumbered

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have effect

rep = repealed

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rs = repealed and substituted

gaz = gazette

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given  effect

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect

SR = Statutory Rules

mod = modified/modification

Sub-Ch = Sub-Chapter(s)

No. = Number(s)

SubPt = Subpart(s)

underlining = whole or part not commenced or to be commenced

Source all
Commonwealth, State and Territory
Acts and Regulations by title

Source Commonwealth Acts, Subsidiary Legislation and Instruments.

Search in
    Name
    Name and Text
    ID Number

FRoL has links to source
all State and Territory legislation 

Source Western Australian Acts and Subsidiary Legislation by:
    Name
    Number and Year
    Currently in Force

Step 1:

Search for Regulation by title

Tips:
    do not include the word Regulation
    do not include year 
    do not include jurisdiction

Option 1:

Search by Legislative Instrument Name

Step 1:

In the Search for box, type the Legislative Instrument's name, or words within the name

From the Search in drop down menu, select Name

From the Search using drop down menu, select Contains all the words

Below the search box,
from the Filter by Collection menu,
check Legislative Instrument

Click Search

Example: Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation 

Option 1:

Step 1:

Select > Acts > As passed 
(located in menu to left of screen)

Step 2:

Filter Results by jurisdiction

Step 2:

From the Results list, click on the relevant name

This search method can also be used to search by the Register ID

Example: Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Regulations 2020 (F2020L00169)

Step 2

Select the relevant starting letter of the Act title from the alphabet block

Example: Bail Act 1982

Step 3:

Select the link to Regulations from the Results list

Option 2:

From the Act's home page

If you are already in the Act,

Select the Authorises link from the activity menu
located below the deep blue band and above the Act name

Step 3

Navigate to Act title

Step 4

Click on the Page icon
(located on the far right in the table)

Step 5:

Select
Subsidiary legislation made under this Act

Option 2:

Step 1:

Select > Subsidiary Legislation > In force and ceased
(located in menu to left of screen)

Step 2:

Select the relevant title or year of the Regulation
(given in the citation or Act title) 

Example: Bail Amendment Regulations 2020 (SL 2020/235)

Step 2.O2.3:

Navigate to Regulation title or number

Step 2.O2.3:

Click on the Page icon
(located on the far right in the table)

Step 1:

Access the Committees page on Parliament of Australia

Step 1:

Access the Committees page on  Parliament of Western Australia

Step 2:

Select More options immediately below the Search box

Step 2:

Select Advanced search
located to the right of screen

Step 3:

Add the details you know 

Step 3:

Add the details you know 

Alternatively:

Select from the All committees menu,
located to the right of screen

Step 4:

Select Search

Step 4:

Select Search

Step 5:

Select Report from the About this inquiry menu,
located to the right of screen

Step 5:

Select Report tab

Step 1:

Access the Committees page on Parliament of Australia

Step 1:

Access the Committees page on  Parliament of Western Australia

Step 2:

Select More options immediately below the Search box

Step 2:

Select Advanced search
located to the right of screen

Step 3:

Add the details you know 

Step 3:

Add the details you know 

Alternatively:

Select from the All committees menu,
located to the right of screen

Step 4:

Select Search

Step 4:

Select Search

Step 5:

Select Report from the About this inquiry menu,
located to the right of screen

Step 5:

Select Report tab

LEGENDcom 

Lexis+ 

LEGENDcom content

• migration and citizenship legislation and policy documents
• Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994 (from 1 September 1994)
• other migration legislation
• policy documents
• legislative and non-legislative instruments
• Gazette notices

Browsing

Step 1: Select Publications from the Explore pod. 

Step 2: Select View All Publications

Step 3: On the left hand side select AU Secondary Materials

Step 4: Select P from the alphabetic index. 

Step 5: Scroll down to Procedures Advice Manual and Immigration Legislation

Step 6: Click on Table of Contents. 

Step 7: Search PAM3: Migration Act by clicking on + to expand the document tree to view PAM3 headings. 

Note: Most policy documents in Lexis+ are not linked to the full text, unlike LEGENDcom

Features

hyperlinked information
- related legislation and policy documents are linked to each other
  (Federal Register of Legislation does not have hyperlinks)

pop-up information boxes
- give value-added information with explanations, background and links to related information

Searching

Step 1: Select Publications from the Explore pod. 

Step 2: Select View All Publications

Step 3: Locate Australian Immigration Law from the list of publications and then select Table of Contents.

Step 4: Lexis+ will automatically search all content.

Step 5: Enter your search terms in the search box at the top of the screen and search.

LEGENDcom Access

1. Click on the database link to LEGENDcom 
    You can find this link on the Law Subject Guide home page.

Form Searching

You can also use Advanced Search in Lexis+ to search for policy documents.
Step 1: From the Lexis+ homepage, select Advanced Search and then Secondary Materials.

Step 2: Fill in the search forms available, for example, search for the term 'detention'. 

Step 3: Once you have reached the results page for your search, limit the results by publication, selecting Australian Immigration Law from the available list of publications.

3. From the Password table, remember the Username, and copy the password (Ctrl +C)

Warning: LEGENDcom  has a very sensitive login system - so ensure you are careful when entering your password details.

There are only 3 incorrect attempts allowed and then all Murdoch staff and students are barred from using the LEGENDcom
until library staff contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to authorise a new password.
If a lock out occurs on a Friday afternoon it will not be unlocked until the following Monday (or Tuesday if it is a public holiday).
So be careful!

LEGENDcom Sign out

Be sure to Sign out at the end of your LEGENDcom session

LEGENDcom Help

Scroll to the bottom of LEGENDcom home page to access Training material

Select a User Guide from the list, or watch a video explaining how to use LEGENDcom

LEGENDcom Navigation

You can Browse or Search content on LEGENDcom

LEGENDcom Search

Search is available from the LEGENDcom home page.

Type Search terms, separated by  " AND "

Example:   100" AND "partner

Insert the date range relevant to your query.
The Search will then retrieve stacks from this date range.
The legislation and policy is sorted into stacks. Each stack contains the complete set of legislation and policy that was in effect for the specified date range.

Leave the date at the default date if you want the latest content.

Search Results can be filtered by Topic: Migration   Citizenship   Customs   Updates   Amendments

Search Results can also be filtered by Folder Type or Category Type

Select Policy and Operational documents to access PAM content

Search terms are highlighted in the Search Results list 

Select a relevant Search Result from the list to access a document

Document includes policy, instructions and links to related PAM chapters

LEGENDcom Browse - Policy 

You can Browse through the Policy content, if you know which Schedule you are seeking more information on.

Select the LATEST MIGRATION POLICY tile from the LEGENDcom home page to access policy documents (PAM).

Expand the relevant Policy topic

Example: POLICY - MIGRATION REGULATIONS - SCHEDULES - Sch2 Visa 100 - Partner

The Policy document includes instructions for applying the Policy as well as related PAM chapters.
(Don't forget to use the pop-up feature for value-added information with explanations, background and links to related information.)

LEGENDcom Browse - Regulations 

You can Browse through the Regulations to see these, as well as related policy content, if you know which Subclass you are seeking more information on.

Select the LATEST MIGRATION REGULATIONS tile from the LEGENDcom home page.

Expand the relevant Regulation

Example: MIGRATION REGULATIONS - SCHEDULE 2 - Subclass 100 - Partner

The Regulation includes a pop-up link (for value-added information with explanations, background and links to related information) as well as a link to policy (PAM chapters).

Example pop-up pane:

Step 1:

Source Bill on Parliament of Australia

Instructions for Source Bills

Step 1:

Source Bill on Parliament of Western Australia

Step 2:

Select the Bill from the Results list

Step 2:

Select the Bill from the list

Step 3:

Select the link to the Bill home page
located to the left of screen
located above the Table of Contents menu

Step 3:

Navigate down the Bills Home Page to access
the Second Reading Speech

Step 4:

Navigate down the Bills Home Page to access
the Second Reading Speech

No link?

Record the Second Reading Speech date, and source from Hansard

Search

Browse

From the AustLII Australian Treaties Library page, you can enter search terms and search within just this collection within AustLII.

For instance, if you were looking for a list of treaties dealing with refugees and persecution you might type the search:

refugee*  w/50 persecution 

(this is a Boolean search where the first term is found within 50 words of the second term. The * is a 'truncator' which allows both the words refugee and refugees to be retrieved)

Enter this search into the search box on the Australian Treaties Library page.
Search only within the Australian Treaties Series.

At this point you can open the Australian Treaty Series (ATS) and drill down to a treaty by clicking through the relevant years.
You can use the options on the left hand side of the screen to browse:

• by subject - note the heading for Citizenship and Migration;
• by country; or
• by short title

Take a look at the results.
One of the treaties you should have found is the Agreement relating to Refugee Seamen [1973] ATS 17.
Open this document.

Have a look at the information at the top of the document.

You will see

• The Australian Treaty Series number
  • The citation form is
    [date] || series || number
    i.e. [1973] ATS 17
• When the treaty was initially accepted by the UN
• Entry into force generally
• Entry into force for Australia
  • This is the date it was ratified by the Australian Government
• The full text of the treaty
• At the end of the treaty you will see additional information about the ratification and when the instrument of accession was deposited for Australia with the UN.