Terminology

Acts exist in several forms.

'Principle Act', 'Acts as passed' or 'Numbered acts' are Acts in their original form, that is, as they were passed in the parliament.

'Amending Act' is a statute that alters the operation of an earlier Act through substitution, insertion, omission or repealing.

'Reprint' or 'Compilation' incorporates all amendments to that Act.

'Consolidating Act' is a statute that combines all the Acts in force relating to a particular subject area.

'Subordinate Legislation' is made by a person or body other than the Parliament and is known by a variety of names including regulation, by-law, rule, delegated legislation, statutory rules, and legislative or statutory instruments.

'Repealed' or 'Ceased' are Acts that are no longer enforced as law.

These terms are used interchangeably on the various websites used to access legislation, so it is helpful to become familiar with them.

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