Commonwealth and State Laws

Australian law is made up of a mixture of Commonwealth (Federal) and State Laws. Commonwealth laws are made by the Federal parliament in Canberra, and apply all over Australia – eg tax, foreign affairs, immigration and telecommunications.

Laws relating to other matters, such as such as drink driving, are made by State (or Territory) parliaments, and varies from State to State. In some areas there may be an overlap between Commonwealth and State laws.

Further information on Australia’s Legal System can be found at the Attorney Generals website (see “Australian Law”).

A full list of Australian Government law sites can be found here.

Civil and Criminal Law

Our legal system is divided into two basic categories – criminal and civil law.

• Criminal law involves the prosecution of individuals for crimes (offences). Examples of criminal offences include murder, attempted murder, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, break and enter, theft, assault, stalking and illegal drug offences. 
• Civil law generally involves disputes between individuals over such things as contracts, debts, personal injuries and property.
• Fore more information, see: You and the law, Queensland Legislation

The ‘Legal Age’ in Australia

People aged 18 years and over who drink alcohol and / or purchase tobacco are considered an adult. The legal age at which you can lawfully enter nightclubs, casinos and other licensed venues (pubs/clubs etc that serve alcohol) is 18 years.

Proof of Age

Clubs and pubs (which serve alcohol) are required by law to ask for your identification showing that you are over the age of 18.  

Acceptable forms of identification in licensed venues include:

• a current driver's licence or learner's permit with photo and date of birth. If your drivers licence is not written in English, an International Drivers Permit issued in your country of origin (including a translation and your photo) must be presented with the foreign driver’s licence.  More information.
• a current passport (however, you may not want to carry this in case of theft or loss);
• an Australian government-issued proof-of-age card (18+ Card). For information on how to apply, visit the Queensland Government website;
• a Victorian Keypass

Please note: Your UQ student ID card and the ISIC card ARE NOT acceptable forms of identification.

For more information, visit: Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing

Forms of Identification

Passport

You may need your passport to open a bank account and to collect your Student ID card or to apply for a proof of age card.

UQ Student ID Card

Your Student ID Card is proof of your enrolment at UQ and is valid for the duration of your program. It enables you to borrow books from University libraries and is compulsory identification for attendance during exams

You UQ Student Card has the capacity to have money loaded onto it for photocopying and printing in the library.

Your Student ID Card will include a Queensland Rail Logo and can be used to obtain travel concessions from all participating transport providers. Please access the Translink website for more information on concession fares. 

Driver’s License

You must carry a current driver’s licence (in English) at all times when driving a motor vehicle in Australia. As long as you hold a student visa, you are able to drive on your home country license, under certain conditions. More information.  Please see the Queensland Transport site for further information on road rules and laws.