Australia Act 1986

The Australia Act 1986 is an Act that brings constitutional arrangements affecting the Commonwealth and the States into conformity with the status of the Commonwealth of Australia as a sovereign, independent and federal nation.

The Act terminates the power of Parliament of the United Kingdom to legislate for Australia and repeals certain provisions of the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865. The legislative powers of Parliaments of States are expanded, including full power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with extra-territorial operation.

The Act also terminates restrictions on legislative powers of Parliaments of States and repeals certain provisions of the Statute of Westminster 1931. The Commonwealth Constitution, Constitution Act, and Statute of Westminster are not affected by this Act.

Notwithstanding sections 2 and 3(2) above, a law made after the commencement of this Act by the Parliament of a State respecting the constitution, powers or procedure of the Parliament of the State shall be of no force or effect unless it is made in such manner and form as may from time to time be required by a law made by that Parliament.

The Act also terminates responsibility of the United Kingdom Government in relation to State matters.

This Act repeals certain provisions of the Australian Courts Act 1828, section 15; The Judicial Committee Act 1833; The Judicial Committee Act 1844; The Australian Constitutions Act 1850, section 28; and The Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act 1890, section 6.

This Act may be cited as the Australia Act 1986, and it shall come into operation on a day and at a time to be fixed by Proclamation.