2.1 The nature of policy

'Policy' is defined in various ways, including as a statement of government intent, and its implementation through the use of policy instruments (see The Australian Policy Handbook).

Policy may give rise to legislation if it needs to be declared or enforceable or, on rare occasions, if its presentation as legislation has significance. For example, the repealed Medicare Principles and Commitments Adoption Act 1994, in section 4, expressly stated that it did not create legal rights.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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