The APA Publication manual refers readers to The Bluebook: A uniform system of citation, however this does not cover Australian law and cases. When citing legal materials in Australia the convention is to use the resource, Australian guide to legal citation (AGLC), which is currently in its 4th edition (2018). The following referencing information below is based on (AGLC). See the link below for more detailed information.
https://law.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/3181325/AGLC4-with-Bookmarks-1.pdf
Note:
Abbreviations are to be used for the jurisdiction and designation. Full-stops are not used in abbreviations.
| Jurisdiction | Abbreviation |
|
Commonwealth Victoria Australian Capital Territory New South Wales Northern Territory Queensland South Australia Tasmania Western Australia
Pinpoint, is when you identify the particular paragraph, part, schedule, section etc. of the Act.
Designation Paragraph Part Schedule Section |
Cth Vic ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas WA
Abbreviation para pt sch s |
In-text example
According to the Food Act 1984 (Vic) (s 4C) ...
... (Food Act 1984 (Vic) s 4C)
Reference list example
Food Act 1984 (Vic) s 4C. http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/vic/consol_act/fa198457/#s1
Notes:
An in-text citation and reference list entry for an Act, include the same elements, except for the URL.
Include the jurisdiction the first time the Act is cited. The jurisdiction can be dropped with subsequent citations.