About the House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has a number of important functions: it determines the government, debates and passes laws, watches over government administration and expenditure, and provides a forum for public debate on issues of national importance. It shares the power to make laws with the other House of Parliament, the Senate.
There are currently 150 members who have been chosen at a general election to represent the interests of the community. Each member represents one geographic area of Australia. Members are elected for a 3 year term and when in parliament take part in debate on proposed laws and public policy, representing the views of the people in their electorate.