Other states and territories legislation | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Other states and territories legislation

State and territory parliaments make laws that apply within their own jurisdictions. The Australian Constitution gives specific powers to the federal Parliament, while as a rule, the remaining law-making powers, known as residual powers, are left to the states.

Online resources

The following online resources are available for finding legislation from states and territories.

Multiple jurisdictions

  • AustLII – Links to legislation from the Commonwealth and all states and territories can be found by choosing the relevant jurisdiction at the top of AustLII’s home page.

State and territory government legislation websites

black and white photo of old buildings with old cars in the street out the front

Fairfax Corporation, New South Wales State Parliament House with automobiles parked outside, Sydney, ca. 1930, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-162790401

Fairfax Corporation, New South Wales State Parliament House with automobiles parked outside, Sydney, ca. 1930, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-162790401

Print resources

The printed collections at the National Library contain substantial collections of older legislation in print, though these may not be complete sets. Use the online catalogue to find and retrieve material using your Library login.

Examples of subject searches you can try are:

Alternatively, try the GovPubs database to help locate legislation we hold:

  1. Visit GovPubs
  2. Go to the menu on the homepage and select 'Browse by publication '
  3. Choose 'Acts/Ordinances/Statutes' and then the relevant jurisdiction.
  4. Click on a relevant title and then click on NLA under ‘Locate a copy of this publication’.
  5. Cut and paste the ‘Amicus number’ into the Library’s catalogue to find the relevant record and to request the item for use in the Reading Room using your Library login.

You can also try contacting the relevant state library with your enquiry. 

A black and white photo of a judge in robes swearing in two people at a desk. One person has long dark hair, wears glasses and patterned clothing, the other has mid length light hair and wears a light-coloured matching top and pants.

Michael Jensen, Swearing in of the first Legislative Assembly, Darwin, 20 November 1974, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-137086388

Michael Jensen, Swearing in of the first Legislative Assembly, Darwin, 20 November 1974, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-137086388

Get help with your research

Our specialist staff can help you with your research, to locate resources and to use our microform and scanning equipment but they cannot undertake extensive or ongoing genealogical, historical or other research on your behalf.

Find out more in our Information and Research Services Policy.

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Disclaimer

Staff at the National Library of Australia cannot provide legal advice.

Every effort is made to provide accurate and relevant information, but this does not constitute qualified legal advice. 

Page published: 26 Mar 2026

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