Interpretation Act 2005 section 10

Enactment always speaking

Section 10 establishes the principle that legislation remains continuously in force and can be applied whenever the need arises.

• Once a piece of legislation is enacted, it does not expire simply through the passage of time or lack of use.
• Legislation remains effective and operative on an ongoing basis unless it is explicitly repealed or amended.
• The law can be applied as often as circumstances require, not just at the time it was originally passed.
• This principle means that legislation is interpreted in light of current conditions, not solely the conditions that existed when it was first enacted.