Legislative instruments (Australian)

The APA style guide refers readers wishing to reference legal materials to The Bluebook: A uniform system of citation; however, The Bluebook is unsuitable for use in Australia.  The fourth edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC4) should be used for reference list entries for Australian and international legal materials.  The examples in this guide are based on AGLC4 style.

Legislative instruments can include legislative frameworks and delegated legislation (rules, regulations and orders) that provide detailed matters of law by a person or body under a relevant authorising legislation.

In-text citation

In-text citation template

(Name of Legislation, Year (Jurisdiction) s #)

*see the list of AGLC jurisdiction abbreviations

In-text citation examples

Schools must ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made within a reasonable time (Disability Standards for Education, 2005 (Cth) s 3.7) …

OR

Under the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) s 3.7 schools must consult with...

Note: s # in the citation refers to the section number, so section 3.7  is  s 3.7 in the citation

See AGLC4 rule 3.1.4 p.69

Reference list

Reference list template

Short Title of Act Year (Jurisdiction abbreviation)

*see the list of AGLC jurisdiction abbreviations

Reference list example

Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) 

Make sure you read the style notes below

Style Notes

• AGLC is a footnoting style. We have adapted it for APA.  The reference list follows AGLC style, but the citations are formatted in APA style.
• Use short titles only if a case is well known.
• Case names and legislation in the text should be italicised
• See AGLC4 Rule 3.1.3 for a list of Jurisdiction abbreviations
• Refer to the following rules in AGLC4 :
  • Pinpoint References Rule 1.1.6, p.4
  • Case Law Rule 2, p.39
  • Case Law pinpoints Rule 2.2.5, p.52
  • Legislation Rule 3 p.67,
  • Legislation pinpoints Rule 3.1.4, p.69
  • Bibliography Rule 1.13, p.35