How is extrinsic material allowed to be used in each jurisdiction?

Extrinsic materials can be used differently in each jurisdiction and are covered by the following sections in each jurisdiction:

  • Act Interpretation Act 1901 (Cth) - s 15AB
  • Legislation Act 2001 (ACT)- s 142
  • Interpretation Act 1987 (NSW) - s 34
  • Interpretation Act (NT) - s 62B
  • Act Interpretation Act 1954 (QLD) - s 14B
  • Acts Interpretation Act 1915 (SA) - s 19
  • Act Interpretation Act 1931 (TAS) - s 8B
  • Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 (VIC) - s 35
  • Interpretation Act 1984 (WA) - s 19

Generally, the documents which are considered extrinsic materials can be considered any or all of the following (please check the provisions outlined above for your jurisdiction):

  • documents printed by the Government printer;
  • relevant reports by committees or law reform commissions;
  • treaties or international agreements;
  • explanatory memoranda or explanatory notes attached to the Bill;
  • speeches made in Parliament; and
  • materials introduced as part of the official records in Hansard or Parliamentary journals.

The following table lists the downloads TimeBase presents in LawOne, where available in electronic format.

Extrinsic Materials Available from TimeBase
Jurisdiction Primary downloads Secondary Downloads
CTH Bill, Explanatory Memorandum and Second Reading Speech

Second Reading Speech in non-originating house; Committee Report; Bills Digest; Schedule of Amendments; Third Reading Bill

ACT Bill, Explanatory Statement and Second Reading Speech Compatibility Statement
NSW Bill, Explanatory Memorandum and Second Reading Speech

As Passed Bill (Third Reading Bill); Second Reading Speech in non-originating house

NT Bill, Explanatory Statement and Second Reading Speech No secondary downloads
QLD Bill, Explanatory Notes and Explanatory Speech

Schedule of Amendments (referred to as amendments in committee); Committee Report

SA Bill, Explanatory Memorandum and Second Reading Speech

Second Reading Speech in non-originating house

TAS Bill, Explanatory Memorandum (Fact Sheet) and Second Reading Speech Additional Explanatory Materials (Clause Notes); Second Reading Speech in non-originating house
VIC Bill, Explanatory Memorandum and Second Reading Speech

As Passed Bill (Third Reading Bill); Second Reading Speech in non-originating house; Statement of Compatability

WA Bill, Explanatory Memorandum and Second Reading Speech

Second Reading Speech in non-originating house

For any more questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.