The Australian Parliament boasts an intriguing and vibrant history, with traditions and practices that have evolved over centuries. It all began with the inaugural federal elections in March 1901—a pivotal moment that marked the dawn of a new era. Shortly after, on May 9, 1901, the Parliament convened for the first time in Melbourne. For nearly three decades, the Parliament operated from the historic Victorian Parliament House until its monumental relocation to Canberra in 1927, where it found its permanent home.
Australia’s Parliament: Function and Structure
At the heart of Australia’s democratic system lies the Parliament, a vital institution that embodies the essence of governance at the federal level. This bicameral body comprises two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Parliament fulfills several crucial roles in shaping the nation’s future. It is tasked with the important duties of crafting and amending laws, voicing the interests of Australians, scrutinizing government actions, and serving as a platform for the formation of the government. The Parliament consists of the King, represented by the Governor-General, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
Houses of Parliament
The Senate
As the upper house of Parliament, the Senate plays a critical role in representing Australia’s states and territories. It consists of 76 members, with each state, regardless of population size, enjoying equal representation. This structure ensures that all voices are heard, contributing to a balanced legislative process.
The House of Representatives
Known as the lower house, the House of Representatives currently comprises 151 members, each elected to represent a specific electoral division. Using a full-preferential instant-runoff voting system, this house is where the government is formed. Here, the Prime Minister—the head of government—must secure the confidence of the majority of members to effectively govern.
The Australian Constitution and System of Government
The Australian Constitution serves as the foundational blueprint for the federal government, delineating the roles of the Parliament, the Executive Government, and the Judicature. It specifies the responsibilities of Parliament and the legislative process, reflecting Australia’s commitment to a parliamentary government. This means that the Executive Government derives from within Parliament and is accountable to it.
Elections and voting are the lifeblood of Australia’s parliamentary democracy. With a system of compulsory voting, all eligible citizens are mandated to participate in federal elections, ensuring that every voice counts. The most recent election in 2022 saw the Labor Party securing a majority in the House of Representatives, further demonstrating the dynamic nature of Australian politics.
Getting Involved and Current Affairs
The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) actively encourages Australians to engage with their democratic process. Citizens can participate in various ways—by voting, reaching out to their representatives, or even visiting Parliament House to experience democracy firsthand. The Parliament remains vibrant and active, with scheduled sitting weeks dedicated to debates, the introduction of government bills, and the presentation of important reports. This ongoing activity ensures that the Parliament remains a reflection of the will and interests of the Australian people, shaping the nation for generations to come.
Summary
Australia’s Parliament is a complex and dynamic institution that reflects the country’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. It has evolved over more than a century, adapting to the changing needs of the Australian people while maintaining traditions that link it to the broader history of parliamentary democracy.
The Building: Parliament House, located in Canberra, is the meeting place of the Australian Parliament. The building contains 4,700 rooms and is decorated with a green colour scheme in the House of Representatives chamber and a red colour scheme in the Senate chamber, reflecting the colours of the British House of Commons and House of Lords, respectively. It is a significant architectural achievement and features a distinctive design based on the shape of two boomerangs. Designed by Mitchell/Giurgola and Thorp Architects.
Australian Parliament Building Entrance
Federal Parliament of Australia
See map Greater Canberra Surrounds Map.
History of Our Parliament in Australia
The Australian Parliament boasts an intriguing and vibrant history, with traditions and practices that have evolved over centuries. It all began with the inaugural federal elections in March 1901—a pivotal moment that marked the dawn of a new era. Shortly after, on May 9, 1901, the Parliament convened for the first time in Melbourne. For nearly three decades, the Parliament operated from the historic Victorian Parliament House until its monumental relocation to Canberra in 1927, where it found its permanent home.
Australia’s Parliament: Function and Structure
At the heart of Australia’s democratic system lies the Parliament, a vital institution that embodies the essence of governance at the federal level. This bicameral body comprises two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Parliament fulfills several crucial roles in shaping the nation’s future. It is tasked with the important duties of crafting and amending laws, voicing the interests of Australians, scrutinizing government actions, and serving as a platform for the formation of the government. The Parliament consists of the King, represented by the Governor-General, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
Houses of Parliament
The Senate
As the upper house of Parliament, the Senate plays a critical role in representing Australia’s states and territories. It consists of 76 members, with each state, regardless of population size, enjoying equal representation. This structure ensures that all voices are heard, contributing to a balanced legislative process.
The House of Representatives
Known as the lower house, the House of Representatives currently comprises 151 members, each elected to represent a specific electoral division. Using a full-preferential instant-runoff voting system, this house is where the government is formed. Here, the Prime Minister—the head of government—must secure the confidence of the majority of members to effectively govern.
See also the Australia Museum of Democracy.
The Australian Constitution and System of Government
The Australian Constitution serves as the foundational blueprint for the federal government, delineating the roles of the Parliament, the Executive Government, and the Judicature. It specifies the responsibilities of Parliament and the legislative process, reflecting Australia’s commitment to a parliamentary government. This means that the Executive Government derives from within Parliament and is accountable to it.
About Australia’s Government
Australia’s Style of Government
Parliamentary Government
Elections and Voting
Elections and voting are the lifeblood of Australia’s parliamentary democracy. With a system of compulsory voting, all eligible citizens are mandated to participate in federal elections, ensuring that every voice counts. The most recent election in 2022 saw the Labor Party securing a majority in the House of Representatives, further demonstrating the dynamic nature of Australian politics.
Getting Involved and Current Affairs
The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) actively encourages Australians to engage with their democratic process. Citizens can participate in various ways—by voting, reaching out to their representatives, or even visiting Parliament House to experience democracy firsthand. The Parliament remains vibrant and active, with scheduled sitting weeks dedicated to debates, the introduction of government bills, and the presentation of important reports. This ongoing activity ensures that the Parliament remains a reflection of the will and interests of the Australian people, shaping the nation for generations to come.
Summary
Australia’s Parliament is a complex and dynamic institution that reflects the country’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. It has evolved over more than a century, adapting to the changing needs of the Australian people while maintaining traditions that link it to the broader history of parliamentary democracy.
Old Parliament House Canberra
Parliament House in Canberra
The Building: Parliament House, located in Canberra, is the meeting place of the Australian Parliament. The building contains 4,700 rooms and is decorated with a green colour scheme in the House of Representatives chamber and a red colour scheme in the Senate chamber, reflecting the colours of the British House of Commons and House of Lords, respectively. It is a significant architectural achievement and features a distinctive design based on the shape of two boomerangs. Designed by Mitchell/Giurgola and Thorp Architects.
Canberra Attractions Map: Capital Hill Map.
More about Parliament House: Parliament House Canberra ACT.
Topic: Canberra Surrounds
Main Photo: Australian Parliament Building Entrance