About the House News

Parliament Explained: Role of the House

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Previous Parliament Explained articles have explored Australia’s system of government, how government is formed, the responsibilities and levels of government, and the separation of powers. This article will examine what the House of Representatives does and the various roles and responsibilities of those within the House.

Parliament Explained: Government - Part 2

Monday, 22 August 2022

In our last Parliament Explained article we wrote about our system of government, how government is formed and what the responsibilities of government include. This article will dive deeper into what a responsible government is, the levels of government, the separation of powers and more.

Medium public works template - now accessible online

Thursday, 18 August 2022

The Public Works Committee of the 47th Parliament has published a medium works notification template for all projects seeking Committee approval between $2 and $15 million ($2 – 75 million for Defence purposes).

Parliament Explained: Government

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

A system of government is the structure for how a country is run. Some examples of different systems of government are: democracy, communism, dictatorship, monarchy and republic.

The Opening of Parliament

Monday, 25 July 2022

Tomorrow is the formal opening of the 47th Parliament – this is the first meeting of a new Parliament following the May 2022 general election.

Parliament Explained: Federation

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Australia became a nation on 1 January 1901 when six British colonies—New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania—united to form the Commonwealth of Australia. This process is known as Federation.

Parliament Explained: Democracy

Thursday, 16 June 2022

Democracy means ‘rule by the people’. The word comes from the ancient Greek words ‘demos’ (the people) and ‘kratos’ (to rule).

Have your say on House Committee reports

Thursday, 2 June 2022

The Department of the House of Representatives is undertaking a review into House Committee reports’ readability and accessibility.

The Parliament has been prorogued and dissolved, but what does this mean?

Monday, 11 April 2022

The Official Secretary to the Governor-General has just read the proclamation proroguing the parliament and dissolving the House of Representatives, officially bringing an end to the 46th Parliament. When the House is dissolved, this triggers a general election. At the same time, the Governor-General has also prorogued the Parliament. What does this all mean?

Federal Budget 2022-23

Monday, 28 March 2022

Tomorrow is Budget Day - one of the busiest and most important sitting days of the parliamentary year. It is the day when the government announces the Federal Budget.

International Women's Day - Celebrating women in Parliament

Wednesday, 9 March 2022

This International Women's Day, About the House is celebrating remarkable firsts achieved by female political leaders in the Federal Parliament.

House sittings commence for 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Today, the House of Representatives will begin the first sitting week of 2022. Here is a brief overview of what is planned to be debated, and how you can stay up to date during the week.

Inquiries accepting submissions over the summer break

Thursday, 23 December 2021

Looking for something to do over the summer break? Parliamentary committees investigate specific matters of policy or government administration or performance. These Committees provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate in policy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process.

Committee

Celebrating 75 years of regular radio broadcast of the Australian Parliament

Thursday, 25 November 2021

This year we celebrated the 75th anniversary of parliamentary broadcasting. Since 1946, Australians have been able to tune in to Parliament from across the country.

By-election for the electoral division of Groom

Thursday, 8 October 2020

A by-election in the division of Groom will be held on Saturday 28 November.

Chamber

Committee to hold hearing to review international armed conflict decision making
Thursday, 8 December 2022
The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing to examine how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict.
Defence Industry Security Program Inquiry hearing
Wednesday, 7 December 2022
The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct a public hearing this Friday 9 December as part of its inquiry into the Auditor-General’s Report No.4 21/22 Defence’s Contract Administration Defence Industry Security Program.
NCA Biannual Hearings Recommence
Wednesday, 7 December 2022
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will hold its first public hearing with the National Capital Authority (NCA) as the Committee’s biannual briefings recommence in the 47th Parliament. Biannual briefings with the NCA have been held regularly since 2009.
Workforce Australia Employment Services inquiry calls for “honest, direct and bold” submissions
Tuesday, 6 December 2022
The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services is calling for submissions on key issues with Workforce Australia, as well as advice and proposals to improve employment services in the future. Submissions are requested by 28 February 2023.