Parliament of Australia

Error creating thumbnail:

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

Type
Type	Bicameral
Houses	Senate House of Representatives
Term limits
Established
Disbanded
Preceded by
Succeeded by

The Parliament of Australia is the federal legislature of the Commonwealth of Australia, consisting of three elements: the Monarch, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. It is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two houses, and it is based on the Westminster system of parliamentary government.

Structure and Function

The Parliament of Australia is composed of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is often referred to as the "upper house," while the House of Representatives is known as the "lower house."

The Senate

The Senate consists of 76 senators. Each of the six states of Australia is represented by 12 senators, regardless of population, while the two territories, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, are each represented by two senators. Senators are elected using a proportional representation voting system known as the Single transferable vote.

The Senate's primary role is to represent the states and territories of Australia, review legislation proposed by the House of Representatives, and act as a house of review. It has the power to reject or amend bills, except for money bills, which it cannot initiate.

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives consists of 151 members, each representing an electoral division. Members are elected using the Instant-runoff voting system, also known as preferential voting. The number of members from each state and territory is based on population, with each member representing approximately the same number of voters.

The House of Representatives is the house where government is formed. The political party or coalition with the majority of seats in the House forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister. The House is responsible for proposing and debating legislation, particularly money bills, which must originate in the House.

Legislative Process

The legislative process in the Parliament of Australia involves several stages:

1. First Reading: A bill is introduced in either house (except money bills, which must start in the House of Representatives) and is read for the first time. 2. Second Reading: The general principles of the bill are debated, and a vote is taken. 3. Committee Stage: The bill is examined in detail by a committee of the whole house or a select committee. 4. Third Reading: The final version of the bill is debated and voted on. 5. Senate Consideration: If the bill passes one house, it is sent to the other house for consideration. 6. Royal Assent: Once both houses agree on the bill, it is sent to the Governor-General for royal assent and becomes law.

Powers and Responsibilities

The Parliament of Australia has several key powers and responsibilities, including:

• Making and amending laws
• Approving the budget and government expenditure
• Scrutinizing the actions of the government
• Representing the Australian people

History

The Parliament of Australia was established by the Constitution of Australia, which came into effect on 1 January 1901. The first meeting of the Parliament was held in Melbourne on 9 May 1901. In 1927, the Parliament moved to Canberra, the capital city of Australia, where it has remained since.

Also see

• Government of Australia
• Prime Minister of Australia
• Governor-General of Australia
• Constitution of Australia
• Australian electoral system